Thomas Piazza

Thomas Guy Piazza, Jr.
February 25, 1944 – January 19, 2013

Thomas Guy “Sonny” Piazza, 68, passed away January 19, 2013. According to his wishes, Sonny was laid to rest at Morgan Cemetery, near his beloved ranch in beautiful Bosque County, in a very meaningful and inspirational private graveside service. A Memorial Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 11, 2013 at St. Jerome Catholic Church to celebrate the life of this remarkable husband, father and friend.

Sonny and his wife of 47 years, Sandra owned and operated Piazza Bros. Western Wear where
Sonny worked most of his life. He bought the store from his father, Tommy Piazza, Sr., in 1973. Piazza Brothers Western Wear Shoe Shop became an icon in Waco having been in business continuously for nearly 110 years until Sonny’s illness forced the business to close in 2010. Sonny enjoyed his friends and customers coming into the store and sharing stories of their lives. He was a caring and generous man and will be remembered and loved by his family, friends and many Wacoans who have fond memories of Sonny at Piazza Brothers. Sonny is walking in the love and light of God and is free from the bondage of such a tragic and hopeless illness.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; his daughter, Mary Neal “Nealy” Piazza; his loyal and beloved cousin, Randy Smith; and longtime friend, Terry Murphy.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Howard Gruetzner, M.Ed., LPC , whose compassion and counseling during their ordeal helped Tommy and Sandra find the answers they needed to care for Sonny with the rare condition of Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association North Central Texas Chapter, 6605 Sanger Avenue, Suite 1, Waco, Texas 76710