Wayne Joseph Piechowiak

Wayne J. Piechowiak, 74, of Land O Lakes passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Born in Philadelphia, PA. He graduated from Neshaminy High School in Langhorne, PA, earning varsity letters in soccer and baseball. Wayne then went on to earn a BS in Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. While there, he played soccer and wrote the musical score for his class's 100th Night Show. Over the years, Wayne renewed his friendships with classmates and fellow soccer players while attending reunions and football games. These relationships strengthened despite distance and time apart.

After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii where he earned the Lieutenant of the Year award. He proudly served from 1973 to 1978, and was honorably discharged as a Captain.

Following his military service, Wayne embarked on a successful career as a Plant Engineer and Manager, holding positions at Procter and Gamble, Frito Lay, Superbrand Dairy, and Coca Cola. Rumor has it he was the inspiration for the pringles logo with his legendary mustache.

A talented pianist, Wayne enjoyed playing classical music by Mozart, Bach, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky in his youth, and songs from the 20s, 30s, and 40s for his grandmother, as well as boogie-woogie for his grandchildren. He even played "If I Loved You" at his wedding reception.

Adventures with his wife, Janice, also brought joy to Wayne’s life. While stationed on Oahu, they traveled to the other Hawaiian islands and later visited Germany, Switzerland, Czechoslovakia. Traveling before GPS, without travel guides, and limited maps made for tons of laughs and epic stories. Their travels included many twists and turns including almost getting arrested for accidentally driving the wrong way into a massive bicycle road race. One of their final international destinations included collecting handmade pottery from South Korea and silk from Beijing, China.

Wayne also loved fishing with friends, his children, and grandchildren. While exploring Florida’s coastline, he loved hooking tarpon, snook, trout, and redfish. Never one to miss a fish or boat show, he’d always come away with a smile and additions to his hat collection.

Perhaps his favorite pastime was coaching his children's soccer and baseball/softball teams. Later he enjoyed cheering his grandchildren as they played the sports he loved so much.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carol J. and Edward O. Piechowiak; and his brothers, Eddie and Craig A. Piechowiak.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Janice L. Piechowiak; his sons, Jason W. Piechowiak and his wife Katie C. and Matthew W. Piechowiak and his wife Stephanie; his daughter, Amy L. Millican (Piechowiak) and her husband Doug W.; his brother, Brian M. Piechowiak; and his grandchildren, Beth, Finley, Ella, and Charlotte Piechowiak, and Fischer and Gentry Millican.

In lieu of flowers, please use the link provided below for donations to the West Point Men’s Soccer Team. Any questions, please contact the family. Thank you.

https://alumni.westpointaog.org/sports?giveto=armymenssoccer

A visitation for Wayne will be held Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church located at 3501 W San Jose St, Tampa, FL 33629.

A funeral service will follow at 10:00 AM.

A military honors will occur Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Florida National Cemetery, located at 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513.