John Joseph "Joe" Pia, PH.D.

John Joseph (Joe) Pia was raised in San Bernardino, CA, the son of Joseph and Iola Pia.  He was educated at Whittier College, the University of Southern California, the University of Michigan, and Indiana University, which awarded him the Ph.D. in Linguistics.  He devoted his life to teaching and research.  Joe’s specialty was the languages of the Horn of Africa, especially the sound system of Somali.  He taught Linguistics at Syracuse University, Swahili to Peace Corps volunteers, and courses at Hamilton College, SUNY campuses, and overseas. He worked as a Fulbright Scholar in Quito, Ecuador.   

Joe is survived by his wife of 20 years, Mary Jane; three children, Rachel Pia of Syracuse, John (Traci) Pia and Miriam Pia of Indiana; and one grandchild, Sven Pia-Okrongli of Germany.

Joe had life-long interests in religion, weather, music (Early, classical, and show tunes), ecology and gardening.  He enjoyed weaving and crocheting and was a great storyteller.

Joe’s memorial service will take place on April 28th at 11 am at Christ Church Pittsford.  Interment will be private.

The family would like to thank everyone at Highland Hospital who offered technical skill and compassion in their care of Joe and his family while he was in unit 5 East during his last days.

Although he loved flowers, especially daffodils and daylilies, he would have preferred a donation in his memory to Indiana University Foundation Fred W. Householder Memorial Student Research Fund, P.O. Box 6460, Indianapolis, IN 46206.

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