Joey C. Piazza

Joey C. Piazza, age 69 of Glenshaw, PA, passed away at home after long battles with cancer on October 16, 2023 with her devoted husband of 48 years, Al by her side. She was born on August 29, in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans, LA. Joey was the beloved daughter of the late Mary (Newby) Durr and Robert Carbo; daughter-in-law of the late Alfred and Dolores Piazza and granddaughter of the late Arthur and Catherine Newby.

In addition to her husband Al, Joey is survived by: her dear Sister-in-law Barbara Piazza, loving cousin and Godchild Catherine Olano and cherished Godparents, Uncle & Aunt Joe & Anne Newby. She was the niece of the late James and Beverly Newby, Frank and Joy Newby, Catherine and Warren “Buck” Brundage, Arthur and John Newby and late Gloria Carbo.

Joey’s cousins include: Jimmy Newby, Jr., Warren Brundage, Mary Ellen McGuire, Patricia Hennessey, Gretchen Jester, Erin Nolan, Lisa Pawloski, Stacy Nixon, Troy Newby, Arthur Newby, Jr., Janice Stroker, Joy Mary Leming, Frank Newby Jr., Ruth Ann Newby, John “Butch” Newby, Jr, James Newby, Martin Newby, Clocile Catherine Newby, Mary Newby, Darlene Carmouche, Rhonda Thibodeaux, Warren Joseph Michael Newby, Jr., Tracy Newby, Susan Autin, Robin Newby, Patrick Newby and the łatę Dottie Toman, Lynn Mary Dugas, and Mickey Paul Newby.

Joey was a 1972 graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in New Orleans and briefly attended the former University Of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette. Joey and Al were married on July 26, 1975 at Holy Name of Mary Church in New Orleans. She initially worked in the Public Affairs Office of the US Army Corps of Engineers in New Orleans, then after moving twice, started a longer term career at Winn Dixie in the Patterson LA store and later at their District Office in New Orleans. She also began volunteering at the New Orleans Chapter of the American Red Cross, where as an instructor, “Miss Joey” taught BAT (Basic Aid Training) classes to various organizational and school groups.

She and Al relocated to suburban Chicago in 1989, then north of Pittsburgh, PA in 1992. There she enjoyed her new home in the hills, gardening, reading, being a great “Mom” to her Cocker Spaniel Rocky and Golden Retriever Sazerac, and caring for “all God’s creatures great and small”. She dedicated many hours as a Volunteer Naturalist at Beechwood Farms Nature Preserve where she led groups of children on trail tours, teaching them about native flora and fauna. Joey loved learning about Mother Nature, history, science/science fiction and theatre.

In 2005 Joey and Al flew to Miami to visit her mother who had suffered a stroke. Joey remained there to ensure her Mom recovered properly. On August 25, (then Tropical Storm) Katrina first hit Florida moving Joey to take immediate care of her Mom at a nearby hotel. Despite her own health challenges and no electricity, Joey spent her birthday and several weeks with her Mom under very challenging conditions until able to bring her to Pennsylvania and care for her there, with Al. It was a Birthday she never would forget and one that showed a daughters’ true love and devotion, for years to come.

Joey was proud of being a native New Orleanian. She loved sharing her talents and stories about the city’s cultural highlights, especially the music and food. “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?”, Joey would nod her head before that song’s first line ended. She was an outstanding student and dedicated employee who met some great people at school and work who became dear friends for life. She was a humble, smart, kind, loyal, and brave woman who stayed close to Jesus and her Catholic faith. Her kind spirit and caring heart will be greatly missed. Joey was the beautiful love of Al’s life and his best friend; and he was hers. The family wishes to thank the care team of UPMC Family Hospice during Joey’s final days.

An inurnment service will take place at Lakelawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemetery in New Orleans on April 17, 2024 at 11am.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Little Sisters of the Poor, American Cancer Society or local Humane Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brandtfuneralhome.com for the Piazza family.