Croton Falls Fireman, Local Barber Dies at 97

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. – August Piazza, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 97, was a familiar personality around Croton Falls. He was a member of the Croton Falls Fire Department, a former fire chief and a member of the board of fire commissioners. He also worked as a tax assessor for the Town of North Salem.

He may be remembered by more neighbors, though, as the owner of Croton Falls’ local barber shop. He was thoroughly professional at his job. For more than 35 years, Piazza was on the faculty of the Bronx Vocational High School, teaching students how to be barbers. When he was not trimming hair, teaching or volunteering, Piazza was a devoted golfer.

August Piazza is survived by his son Thomas, his daughter Karen Blake of Brewster, his brother John of Brewster and his sisters Antoinette Babon and Bernice Hutchings, also of Brewster. He was predeceased by his son Gerald and brother Nicholas.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Avenue, Brewster on Tuesday. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Brewster, followed by interment at St. Lawrence O’Toole Cemetery.

Contributions in the memory of August Piazza may be made to the Croton Falls Fire Department.

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