Edward Pia

Edward Pia (Ed), age 91 passed away peacefully in the afternoon of May 28, 2025. Ed was born in Gilroy, California on December 18, 1933 to Secondo and Luigia Pia. He had a twin brother Dario Pia and an older sister, Lydia (Pia) Stay (deceased).

Ed graduated from Gilroy High School in 1951. He then entered the armed services in 1954 for a 3 year term where he spent time stationed overseas in Europe. This left a lasting impression on Ed, stoking his love for travel. He earned an Army Occupation Medal (Germany) and a Good Conduct Medal during this time. After returning home from service, he became an employee of IBM where he worked as an electronic technician for over 30 years.

In 1964, Ed married his first wife, Gayle and settled down in Los Gatos, California, having four children: Timothy (Tim), Christopher (Chris), Jeannine (Jeannie) and Juliette (Julie). After they separated in 1991, Ed found love again with Rosemarie. They married in 1998 and lived together in San Jose, California for almost 30 years.

After retiring, Ed worked as a handyman and spent many years working with his wife Rosemarie at her family business, Trillo Heating & Air Conditioning. Ed loved solving problems and talking with customers, friends and neighbors. After his second retirement, he continued to enjoy gardening, riding his bike and tinkering on projects around the house.

Ed always had a love for learning. He adored travel and went on several vacations with his wife Rosemarie that included: Hawaii, Italy, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. He also learned to play the guitar during his spare time so he could accompany himself while he sang or whistled old favorites like “You Are My Sunshine”, “Amazing Grace” and “So Long, It's Been Good to Know Yuh” in an Italian / Spanish mix.

Sadly, Ed’s health began to decline in the past few years due to a heart condition and related issues.

Ed is survived by his wife Rosemarie and her children: Lori, Steve, Vince and Mark; as well as his children: Tim, Chris, Jeannine and Juliette.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at the Shamrock Residential Home and the VITAS Hospice team who cared for Ed during the last 6 months of his life.

A memorial service for Edward will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125, followed by a reception from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.