Jan. 13, 1943 — July 23, 2014

NATCHEZ — Services for George Koerber Piazza, 71, of Natchez, who died Wednesday, July 23, 2014, at his residence, surrounded by his loved ones, will be at 2 p.m. today at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Danny Speed officiating.

Burial will follow in Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home.

Mr. Piazza was born Jan. 13, 1943, in Natchez, the son of Thomas Louis Piazza and Edith M. Koerber Piazza.

He was raised in Natchez, however, seven years ago he returned to Natchez to take care of his mother, who died last September at the age of 98.

He was in the last graduating class of the old Natchez High School and graduated in 1961. He was a member of the band and after graduating, attended the University of Southern Mississippi where he majored in music education. He was entered into Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges.

He was assistant band director at the award winning program in Clarksdale. Later, he worked in Vicksburg as the junior high director then high school director.

He spent two tears in Drew before he entered into work as a computer programmer in Memphis at Union Planters National Bank. He rapidly advanced to systems analysis and design then technical at Maybelline Cosmetics in Memphis.

Mr. Piazza later worked for National Defense Contractors Harris Corp. and Lockheed Martin as project leader in Orlando.

After moving to Houston, he taught software courses at New Horizons Computer Learning Center and then became a cardiac sonographer working at the Methodist Hospital in Houston.

While in Orlando and Houston, he was an avid golfer and enjoyed the beaches for relaxation. Additionally, in Houston, he was a president of the Greenway Plaza Toastmasters Club where he earned many trophies for his public speaking skills.

He was a volunteer at the Methodist Hospital visiting and encouraging heart patients.

After a brief retirement, he returned to school and became a licensed massage therapist and was the owner/operator of Old South Massage by George in Natchez. He liked a new challenge every now and then.

While living in Natchez, George has been active in the Natchez Little Theatre and has had small roles in two Paramount Studio movie productions.

During the Natchez Pilgrimage, he described acting as Pushmataha, at the Governor Holmes House, a wonderful experience.

He also enjoyed photography for many years and has taken many photos for friends and multiple publications. An avid whistler and musician, he was a drummer for the trio, “Court Jesters.”

Survivors include his wife Cindy Phillips Piazza; one daughter, Michelle Ciaravino of Houston; two stepdaughters, Melissa June and husband, Chris, and Kristin Bonsall and husband, Dean, all of Wesson; one brother, Thomas L. Piazza and wife, Libby, of Clinton; six grandchildren; and a number of cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

Pallbearers will be Nickey Myers, Charlie Ratcliff, Mike Grantham, George Rutherford III, Chris June and Dean Bonsall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.