Richard J. Piazza, a devoted brother, uncle, and friend to many, passed away suddenly at his home in Brecksville on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Richard is survived by his beloved sister Barbara (Mark) and brother Donald (Mary Lou), his nieces and nephews Victoria (Terry) King, Jean (Charles) Andrzejewski, Joseph D. (Karen) Piazza III, Christopher (Hun) Piazza, Brian (Xristi) Williams, Jonathan Boswell, Erin (Sawyer) Boswell, and great-nephews Sean, Joseph D. IV, and Frederick. His beloved mother and father, Lillian “Annie” (Hughes) Piazza and Joseph Dominic Piazza Sr., his eldest brother, Joseph D. Piazza Jr., and his sister-in-law, Rose, welcome Richard into everlasting peace, and his many Newfoundlands, Manfred, Cecil, Arthur, Harvey, and Grover, greet him with wet kisses. He leaves behind the countless others who were family to him, whether by blood or by bond. Richard changed the lives of many, offering an open door for a cup of coffee, a seat at the table, a room to rest a head, or the counsel to begin anew. Longtime director of the Berea Community Center and founder of The Covenant Adolescent Chemical Dependency Treatment and Prevention Center in Cleveland, Richard dedicated his life to helping others find a path to new hope. He offered this same grace to all who knew him. Richard will be missed beyond words, and our cherished memories of him will be the balm to our broken hearts. We remember his contagious laughter, devotion, selflessness, humor, gigantic heart, and spirit of goodwill. A private memorial will be held Friday, October 30. A celebration of his immensely colorful life will be announced, an event to which all are invited.