Ralph A. Piazza's Obituary
Colonel Ralph A. Piazza, age 81, of Milton, DE, passed away December 8, 2008 at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, DE. He was born July 28, 1927 in Cranston Heights, DE to the late Anthony and Margaret (DeRose) Piazza.
Colonel Piazza Lived in the Lewes area for 22 years, previously living in New Castle, DE.
Ralph served in the US Navy from 1945 to 1948 and then in the US Air Force from 1951 to 1952.
Ralph was the best maintenance officer that was ever at D.A.N.G. ( DE Air National Guard).
Colonel Ralph A. Piazza Joined the Delaware Air National Guard on 24 April, 1948 and began his career as a crew chief assigned to the 166th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, where he was commissioned as a Captain on 5 August 1958 and accepted the position of Maintenance Officer. One of his biggest challenges was the conversion from fighter aircraft to the C-97 in 1961. His dynamic leadership provided the highest quality maintenance and ensured the availability of aircraft to support the increased burden created by the Vietnam War. In 1968 Colonel Piazza was assigned the responsibility of task force commander, as the Delaware Air Guard was called to state active duty. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Piazza in the dedication of his service to his country and state reflect great credit upon himself and the DE Air National Guard.
Colonel Piazza is survived by his wife of 39 years, Catherine R. (Young) Piazza; five sons: Ralph E. Piazza and his wife Linda L. of Wilmington, DE, Paul Piazza and his wife Martha of Elkton, MD, Dennis J. Dorris and his wife Donna of Newark, DE, Michael J. Dorris and his wife Denise of Warwick, MD, and Allen Piazza and his wife Terri of Newark, DE; daughter, Connie L. Euston and her husband Paul of Newark, DE; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers: Armond Piazza of South Carolina, Raymond Piazza of Florida, and Ernest Piazza of Florida; and 3 sisters: Rosemary Piazza of Dover, DE, Evelyn Casalena of Greenville, DE, and Patricia Gilliand of Chadds Ford, PA.
A Graveside service will be Monday, December 15, 2008 at 2:00 PM at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE 19701.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 100 W. 10th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.
Online condolences may be sent to [email protected]
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