Donald J. Caiazza Jr.

Donald J. Caiazza Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 10, 2021, at The Hospice House in Boardman, OH.

He was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania on March 29, 1949, a son of the late Donald and Pauline Caiazza. 

Having lived most of his life in the area Don graduated from New Castle High School Class of 1966 and from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University in 1974. While attending Dana he was a founding member of the first jazz band and jazz studies program at the school. Don went on to be a high school band director for 29 years. He began his career in 1973 at Steubenville Catholic Central where he remained until 1986. He then spent from 1986-1988 at Beaver Local High School before moving on to East Liverpool City Schools where he directed the “Best Damn Band In The Land” from 1988-2008. Don was also a long-standing member of the VFW Post 66 and The American Legion Post 374.

Don is survived by his loving and favorite wife, Sharon (Yanni) Caiazza whom he married July 17, 1981; a daughter, Marissa Shallcross, and her husband Bob; four grandsons, who were his pride and joy: Donovan, Nicholas, Justin, and Vincent; a sister: Mary Ann Helbley and her husband Willam of Poland OH, Brothers-In-Law: Leonard Yanni, Ralph (Bud) Yanni and his wife Mary Ann Yanni; 17 nieces and nephews: Bill (Lindsay), Brian (Dominique), Nicholas, Mark, Nick, Anthony, Jason, Christina, Michael, James, Scott, Tia, Gregory, Ana, Christopher, Jenna, and Kimberly.

In addition to his parents Don was preceded in death by his in-laws Ralph and Frances Yanni; a brother: John Caiazza; brother-in-law Anthony; sisters-in-law: Beverly and Terri Yanni and a niece: Cindy Stephens.

Well known for his lack of patience, not holding back his opinion, and telling it like it is. In remembrance of Don, everyone is asked to celebrate his life in their own way. Raising a glass (or six) of their favorite beverage (preferably Budweiser) in his memory would be quite appropriate.

The family would like to thank Dr. Louie Volino, the staff of St Elizabeth Hospital in Boardman, The Blood and Cancer Center, The Hospice House in Poland, and from Ohio Valley Home Health: Mikki, Dani, and Molly. In addition, the family would also like to thank Matthew Watson, Erich Stephenson, and all who have helped over the past year.

 Services will be held at the Arner Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at 11 AM, with Father Scott Kopp of Holy Trinity Church officiating.  The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home from 4-8 pm on Monday, April 12, 2021. The American Legion will conduct a memorial service at 4:00 pm  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in Don’s name to the charity of your choosing.

Family and Friends may view this obituary and leave online condolences at www.arnerfuneralchapel.com

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