Joyce M. Pizzi (nee Malinowski), 75, of Naples, FL, formerly of Northvale, NJ, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2021. Devoted wife of Anthony R. Pizzi. Loving mother of Gregg and husband Edward of Miami, FL, Michael and wife Pamela of Northvale and Robert and wife Michelle of River Vale, NJ. Proud “Mamoo” of four grandchildren, Jessica, Anthony, Tyler and Jaclyn. Cherished sister of Denise Hecht and husband Steven and the late Arlene Bremson. Also survived by her mother-in-law Rosalie A. Pizzi and many other loving family members.
A funeral director with a degree in pastoral counseling, Joyce, along with her husband, Anthony, owned and operated Pizzi Funeral Home for 40 years before retiring to Naples. She took pride in her children, grandchildren, profession, and community and was known and loved by many for her compassion and selfless service in comforting those in grief.
Joyce was born in Hackensack, NJ, on May 16, 1945 to Mary (Gianquinto) and Joseph Malinowksi and grew up in Lodi. She attended Katherine Gibbs School and subsequently graduated from the American Academy MacAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York City (Magna Cum Laude) where she also taught the course: ‘Death, Dying & Bereavement.’
Joyce graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Magna Cum Laude) and went on to receive her Master of Science in Family Counseling, completing her thesis on the ‘Value Of The Funeral Ritual.’ In 2016, Joyce was inducted into the STAC Alumni Hall of Fame.
Joyce was a member of St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, Northern Valley Rotary Club, Woman’s Club, Romanesque Lodge, and Sons & Daughters of Italy. She belonged to Rockland Country Club in New York and Vineyards Country Club in Florida.
Loyal and giving to a fault, and always ready to listen or lend a helping hand, Joyce will be deeply missed by her family and fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Those who feel comfortable are invited to pay their respects in person on Monday, March 1, 2021 from 2-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.
The funeral mass can be viewed thorugh the link below:
https://boxcast.tv/channel/joyce-m-pizzi-funeral-mass-883480
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce’s memory to Spectrum For Living, 201 Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ 07675, www.spectrumforliving.org, would be greatly appreciated.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
Although I’ve never had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Pizzi, I’ve met her son, Robert. And if he’s an indication on how she was as a person, I would say she was a phenomenal lady and an outstanding human being. May she be at peace.
Joyce was a unique and talented woman, a friend with a ‘heart of gold’, who was always willing to lend a hand, offer a
smile and laugh or cry with you ~ she was a warm and thoughtful woman who went out of her way to share her thoughts
with you in times of need ~ she will be sorely missed by so many of her friends here at the Vineyards in Naples, Florida ~
May she Rest In Peace ~ GOD BLESS, my friend ….
So deeply sorry for your loss to the family
To the Pizzi Family: May we express our condolences at the loss of your Wife. Mother and Grandmother. Joyce was a good friend to us and helped us many times with the loss of a loved one. She will be missed by all but memories will linger in our hearts forever.
Sending all of my love and support to the Pizzi Family. I love you all so much ♥️
To all the wonderful
Members of Joyce’s family,
We are so sorry to hear this news. Heartfelt condolences to all the family. Joyce was a great woman. She was my Cornerstone sister. She gave of herself in so many things she did. ❤️ May she Rest-in-Peace. Amen.
A sincerely wonderful woman in every sense of the word! So kind, caring, and giving. I grieve with you Anthony, Gregg, Edward, Michael, Pam, Rob, Michelle and Jessica, Anthony, Tyler and Jaclyn. It is said, “When someone you loves becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.” May your hearts be filled and comforted with your treasure, until you meet again. God Bless, Love, Marcy Kraus and Family
To the Pizzi Family
I am so sorry for the loss of Mrs. Pizzi. I am forever grateful for meeting her. She was kind and compassionate during difficult times. I am forever grateful for her and the Pizzi family for their loving care during the funeral arrangements for both of my parents. Sending you love and comfort.
Joyce will truly be missed not only by her family and friends but by all of her golfing friends at Vineyards Country Club as well. I enjoyed her company and her humor on the course so much! We will miss you dearly Joyce!! Rest in peace our dear friend!
Joyce will truly be missed not only by her family and friends but by all of her golfing friends at Vineyards Country Club as well. I enjoyed her company and her humor on the course so much! We will miss you dearly Joyce!! Rest in peace our dear friend!
Michael, Pam, and family..so very sorry to hear about Mrs Pizzi’s passing. I unfortunately know the pain all too well and too recent..know our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time..may you too find peace and comfort in memories. Be still and know God is in control. All our love..Jenn (Kraus) Rossi and Family
Anthony, Michael and Rob: We were so saddened to hear of Joyce’s passing. Although we have not seen you in quite a while we think of you often. Please accept our condolences. She was such a sweet lady and so o o remember her power walks. God be with you all. Linda and Bob Brenzel
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to the Pizzi family from the Mesis family. Joyce was a remarkable woman that I enjoyed having the pleasure of knowing. RIP
To the Pizzi family.
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your Mom.
Sincerely,
Anna Borucinski
Anthony, Greg, Michael and Robert,
We were so sorry to hear this devastating news of Joyce’s passing! My Dad feels terrible he has such fond memories of working with your family ! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and Joyce will live on in the memories you all hold in deep in your hearts !
Love, Stanley Vicky, Roe ,Angela and families
In 1996 my husband and I were tasked with finding a funeral home here in northern New Jersey that was the right “fit” for the price and wishes of my father-in-law who resided on Cape Cod, but wished to be interred back home at George Washington Memorial Park Cemetery.
Bob chose the Pizzi Funeral Home in Northvale and we have enjoined in their family for another four family memebers since. My grandmother, mother-in-law, father and brother have received the enormous love and care of Joyce, Anthony, then Mike and Pam.
But what I remember most is that Joyce had gotten a degree in counseling, adding to the services that were offered by the family. When my twins were grieving at the loss of their first grandparent, Joyce took them each aside and offered support, love and counseling to both children in a way that only a Mom could offer. I never forgot her beauty in that moment of such sorrow.
At one time in the midst of discussions on preplanning our own funerals, we sat and laughed in the office with Joyce promising me my wish to be cremated in a cardboard box replete with her magic marker flowers adorning the box top. I knew she would have done this for me.
Our hearts break for the family of this diminutive woman of love, strength, character and foresight. Mike and Pam. We love you all! Carol & Bruce
I am so terribly sorry to hear of this loss! Such a wonderful, kind woman whose words were so comforting to me in my sadest moments…My deepest condolences to you all, and may Joyce Rest in God’s Eternal Peace!
Joyce will be missed by all. May she Rest In Peace. I was fortunate enough to have been a close friend of hers since high school. Our families and friends had many great times together. I know if needed help from her she would be there for me and my family. God bless her soul. She will be watching over everyone from heaven. The Makowski family.
Dear Denise and family,
My prayers for your sister and my deepest condolences.
Thinking of you during this time.
To Anthony and Family,
I was so sorry to read of the passing of your beloved wife, mother and grandmother.
May she Rest in Peace.
Tony & Family,
My sincerest condolences on the death of Joyce. I was very surprised to read of her death. She was a wonderful woman, with a great smile. She cared for everyone who knew her, especially the families she served. May she rest in peace.
May you also find peace in the Lord and the strength in each other.
She will be included in the ;prayers of our parish this weekend, and all of you will be im pryers.
Dear Denise,
I feel so sad that you have suffered the loss of your sister. Sisters are so precious. This was a beautiful tribute Joyce. I did not know her , but feel I got to know her through these words. She certainly was a beautiful and accomplished lady. May all the good times you shared be a comfort to you. Know that friend are also with you today and send love .
To Anthony and the entire family, I am saddened beyond words to hear of your loss. Joyce was truly a beautiful human being, inside and out. Her love, devotion, and caring to her family and community were simply “the best.” While I have not seen her in so many years, the radiance of her personality stays with you a lifetime. May her memory be for a blessing and inspiration to all who knew and loved her, and may she rest in eternal peace.
Bruce Jacobs
Former owner, Hellman Memorial Chapels and Hebrew Community Chapel
Dear Anthony and Family,
Joyce was dearly loved and will be truly missed. She was a beacon of hope and a source of strength for all who were lucky enough to have known her. She comforted so many – young and old – throughout her life. We love her and know she will be in Heaven with our Heavenly Father in peace.
Love,
Mona and Jack Barry
Our prayers and condolences to the entire family from the Di Blasio, Dooly and Hanlon families.
Dear Anthony and family,
Please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of Joyce. She always had a smile for everyone she met. I could see her in Michael when he handled a passing of a family member for me. May she rest in peace with our Lord and may he bless your family with peace at this sad time.
Love
Fred & Amy Hoehn
Tony and family,
We send our condolences and prayers on your loss. Joyce was a wonderful woman, always spreading joy. Take comfort in her love and accomplishments.
Matriarch of Pizzi Family,
too young, too soon, too quick and….. you were gone.
Crazy worried about you… you lived your life without apologies.
You comfort death’s pain,
you gave death… life
You gave death… beauty
You gave death… youth.
Although you are gone, your legend will live among those whom you’ve touched.
I will always love you, mom.
Dear Tony , Michael & Pam grandchildren & Robert ,
Phil & I want to covey how truly sad & heartbroken we are to hear of Joyce’s passing. Such a beautiful, kind , giving & talented lady. We will never forget the fun times we enjoyed together for many years in Norwood. Remembering her infectious smile & great sense of humor will be a great comfort to your entire family & anyone who was lucky enough to know Joyce. She was so wonderful & comforting to so many families during the years including ours . May your entire family find comfort & peace in all the wonderful memories you shared together . Phil & I feel blessed to have known such a very special human being. We will miss her. May Joyce Rest In Eternal Peace .❤️
I had the joy and honor of meeting Joyce for just one day, and being totally admired by the human quality and the goodness, that emanated from her eyes and her smile and I knew from that day, that I had known the sweetness, goodness and sense of humor in the same person, and that was the joy of meeting Joyce.
May God bless her forever and give all her love ones strength and solace.
So sorry for your loss she was a very pationet individual actually the whole family is. When my dad passed may 3,2017 Michael was very helpful to my sister . Wonderful family to know. You all have a heart of gold.
Our deepest sympathy to the Pizzi Family..
Sincerely, George & Gerry Taylor
Dear Pizzi family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I met Joyce and Anthony thru your cousin Diane.
So sorry for your loss. I had the absolute pleasure to know and work with Joyce and the entire Pizzi family. She was a wonderful lady and she will be missed by everyone who knew her
Dear Anthony and Family, I would like to extend my condolences, so sorry to hear passing of Joyce. I formally lived in Northvale, and had the good fortune in meeting Joyce , not only in my time of need with help in the loss of me husband and parents, but also as a dear friend. She was truly a caring and giving lady, always there to listen , I felt such a close friendship and bond knowing her she was so sincere and gracious. May she Rest In Peace. God Bless you and your family.
Anthony & Family
My sincere condolences. I was very sorry to hear of your loss. May God be with you and your family during this time
of sorry. May she rest in peace.
Santoniello Family
Dear Tony & Family,
So sad and heart broken to hear of Joyce’s passing. I had the pleasure of knowing her for many years at Rockland Country Club. She had a great personality and such a beautiful smile. We had many great games of golf together and many fun times at RCC. My thoughts, prayers and love to her wonderful family.
To the Pizzi Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Joyce was a favorite of ours here at the Vineyards Country Club Golf Pro shop. She was a great human being and always made us laugh. We all remember those days she would bring us some meat ball subs for no particular reason. She brought in dinner for Sandy and her husband sometimes. We just never new what Joyce might do for the staff. I remember during September one of my staff contracted Covid and the entire Golf Shop staff had to be quarantined except me, who was on vacation and had to come back to work for 14 straight days. Joyce and Anthony brought in subs and pasta for me for lunch. It was delicious and I really appreciated. Joyce loved her golf and the ladies she played with and we enjoyed her every time she would come into the Golf shop. My entire staff will miss her gentleness and great spirit. Hit them down the middle Joyce and yes those putts are good now.
With all of love.
Tom Metzger and The entire golf staff.
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to the entire Pizzi Family. Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort. May Joyce’s beautiful memories give you strength in your days ahead.
We are very saddened by her sudden passing. She entered our home with her sparkly personality to introduce herself when we moved in next door. We have been friends or as Anthony would say, buddies ever since. We where lucky to have known her. She was beautiful, funny and spunky. The Vineyards will not be the same without her. We will miss her tremendously. She will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace our beautiful angel. ❤️
Pizzi family–Joyce was my very first walking buddy in Northvale and Norwood in fact we got so good at it we ended up running (very slowly) towards the end of our route (2 miles) every day.
We had fun times yacking and laughing all the way home. Shes a very good friend and will be missed tremendously forever. Peace be with the Pizzi family and LOVE
The Pizzi Family,
We were saddened to hear of Joyce’s passing. She always had a smile for everyone. I worked with her many, many years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May she rest in peace and may God bless you all.
Catherine & Tom Evanisko
To the Pizzi Family so sorry to hear of the passing of Joyce remembering good times playing golf years ago she was a very special woman am sure Our Lord is taking good care of her With Love Leslie Greiche and family
God bless and watch over your family always and especially during this sad time. Joyce was not only beautiful outside but also inside. She was definitely a wonderful mother as it shows in how her children have developed. I will forever remember the care and kindness Mike and Pam extended to me and my family when my mom passed away two years ago. You will forever be in my prayers and heart. There is no doubt Joyce is in heaven watching over her family.
May time heal the sadness that you feel with the loss of your Mother. During these tough times, know that you are in our thoughts and prayer.
After a lifelong friendship in NJ, Joyce, Anthony, Bill and I made the move to Florida in 2014. We are so grateful for the 7 years we had there together but wish it could have been so many more. Joyce was more than my friend. She was my sister of the heart and we will miss her always.
Dear Anthony and family,
Our hearts go out to you for your loss. Joyce was a remarkable lady. AI truly believe she was an angel among us, always thinking of others first. With Joyce you learned to expect the unexpected, like calling you to come pick up chicken soup or meatballs.
She loved her family and friends and would do anything for them. We loved her and will miss her dearly, but we will never forget all the memories she gave us.
Dear Denise,
We were so sorry to hear about your sister’s passing. My parents and I send our deepest sympathies to you and the entire family. May peace and love be with you all.
I too would like to offer my condolences to you Anthony and your family.
Joyce was one of a kind…’kind’ and generous to everyone she met. She had such a special talent of bringing people together to have fun and enjoy one another.
I particularly loved being invited to your dinner parties. She would assign each guest with a task to help with the preparation, knowing how to bring everyone together…”magic”
I look forward to spending more time with you some day Joyce. May God Bless You Kerry
Dear Anthony and family,
We cannot express the sadness in our hearts with the passing of “Sweet Joyce.” She welcomed us into your home and the neighborhood and we enjoyed many fun laughs and chats. Hammock Isles will not be the same without her beautiful smile. We are praying for your family and we will miss her terribly. Cherish all the memories together. God Bless Joyce and your entire family.
My heart ❤ was deeply saddened when I heard the devastating news
Joyce helped me through a most difficult time in such a personal and caring way when I lost my husband and all of you treated me as family.
May the kindness she showed to so many and the joy she exuded bring you special comfort!
My heart ❤ was deeply saddened when I heard the devastating news
Joyce helped me through a most difficult time in such a personal and caring way when I lost my husband, as all of you treated me like family.
May the kindness she showed to so many and the joy she exuded bring you special comfort!
Beautiful service, just like Sweet Joyce. Rest in Piece My friend
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you all close to my heart and also in my thoughts and prayers
Dear Anthony and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. It was so nice to reconnect these past few years in Naples and reminisce about growing up in Lodi. Joyce was a beautiful person both inside and out and she will be missed by many.
Please accept our deepest sympathy on your loss.
Love, Kathy and Ron
Dear Anthony and Family,
Jeanie and I send our heartfelt prayers and sympathies to you at this difficult time. It was a pleasure to spend time with Joyce whether it be as a counseling mentor, a friend, or colleague. She had the gift of compassion and was a healing force in the lives of so many people.
May she Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory.
(Rev.) Charlie and Jeanie Lochner
Dear Mike, Pam, Jessica and Anthony,
We are so sorry for the loss of your mom and grandmother. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace.
Louise, Bill, Jessica and Jaclyn Scheeler