John D. Piazza
December 17, 1931 – November 25, 2004

We are saddened to report the passing of John D. Piazza, former FUSD Board Member and husband of current Board Member, Dr. Arlene Piazza.  Mr. Piazza passed away Thanksgiving Day at the couple’s vacation home in Palm Desert, after a brief battle with leukemia.

Mr. Piazza was born 72 years ago in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.  After serving in the Korean War as an Army tank commander, he returned home and worked at Bethlehem Steel.  However, the industry was going through difficult times and after suffering through a series of layoffs and rehiring, like many other young men in his hometown, he relocated to Fontana when Kaiser Steel opened in the early 1950’s.

While working at Kaiser Steel, Mr. Piazza was elected to the FUSD Board of Education.  He served as a Board Member for twenty years, serving five terms from 1961-69 and 1985-97.  Mr. Piazza set himself apart from the other Board Members when he first ran for office.  At that time, the Board consisted of doctors, lawyers, and bankers.  Mr. Piazza credited his election to the support he received from the local union.

Mr. Piazza was a respected community leader, serving eight years as City Treasurer.  He founded and served as President of the Oldtimers Foundation a charitable, education organization that assists retired seniors by providing meals, housing, auto and home-repair services, legal aid, and recreation opportunities.  Mr. Piazza also served on the National Council of Senior Citizens, National Council on Aging and Gerontological Society of America.  He was chairman of the Kaiser Steel Retirees’ Benefit Trust, a board member of the Senior Citizens Mutual Insurance Company and a trustee with the Kaiser Retirees Pension Trust.

In addition to his wife, Arlene, Mr. Piazza is survived by four daughters, Kathy Prine, Deborah Cordua, Jeanette DaVault, and Margaret Piazza; three stepsons, Steve, Mike, and Brandon Brown; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Service Information

In lieu of flowers, Mr. Piazza’s family has requested that donations be made to the Oldtimers Foundation, 8572 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, CA  92335.  Please write “John Piazza” in the memo area of your check.

Cards and any other correspondence may be sent to Dr. Arlene Piazza at P.O. Box 3512; Fontana, CA  92334-3512.