OBITUARY: Kevin Douglas Di Piazza

Kevin Douglas Di Piazza, born on October 30, 1956, in Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away in Nashville, Tennessee on December 15, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Eugene and Dorothy Mae Di Piazza, and his brother, Frank Di Piazza.

Kevin graduated from Muskegon (MI) High School in 1974 and thought fondly and often about his time as a Big Red. After high school, Kevin proudly served four years in the United States Air Force as a radio communications specialist. He then attended Ferris State College in Big Rapids, Michigan using the GI Bill to earn a degree in data processing.

Kevin initially built a successful career as a consultant, traveling across the U.S. and Canada installing payroll systems for major companies like the Canadian railroad, Bell Labs, and Fairchild Republic. Over the past decade, Kevin worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs in both Middle Tennessee and Detroit, continuing his lifelong commitment to service before retiring in June.

In his personal life, Kevin showed incredible resilience. Two of Kevin’s greatest strengths were his authenticity and determination, sometimes referred to as his “stubbornness”. Kevin enjoyed rereading Louis L’Amour novels, and watching old movies, reruns of NCIS, and University of Michigan Football. He knew a great deal about astronomy and Greek mythology. Kevin always had a coffee mug or a soft drink in hand. He loved good authentic Italian food, although he said his mom’s spaghetti was by far the best.

Kevin found comfort and peace by soaking in the sun and swimming. He was a regular at the neighborhood pool and loved Lake Michigan. He enjoyed his yearly visits to the Muskegon area to reminisce and meet up with old friends and family. Kevin truly appreciated life’s simple moments and valued quiet time alone and with those he loved, especially “Suzy” whom he had known since age 11.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Suzanne; his sister, Deirdre Kohley (Alan); his daughter, Cydney Domsic (Jeff); his stepdaughter, Carly Southworth (Enrique); his stepson, Matthew Southworth (Heather); his grandchild, Esther; and five step-grandchildren, Autumn, Noah, Olivia, Dawson, and Leo. Kevin is loved and will be deeply missed by his family and so many friends.

After Kevin passed, Alive Hospice provided him with a processional honoring his military service, during which staff stood at attention while the Air Force anthem played. As the anthem goes, “Off we go into the wild blue yonder, climbing high into the sun.” May those who knew and loved him find comfort in knowing Kevin is now in heaven – the most beautiful yonder.

A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at St. David Episcopal Church, 6501 Pennywell Drive, Nashville, TN 37205. Arrangements are in the care of: Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104, Nashville, TN 37209. (615) 857-9955. We are proud to be locally owned and operated. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.