It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of COL (Ret.) Joseph (Joe) Anthony Piasta II of Santa Rosa, CA. He passed away on July 6, 2024, at the age of 73 following a long battle with cancer.  

COL (Ret.) Piasta was born on July 11,1951 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was the oldest of six children—John, Mary, Fran, Karen, and Polly. The family moved to Orange, California, where he excelled academically and graduated from Servite High School.  

COL (Ret.) Piasta was the first in his family to attend college, enrolling in the University of San Francisco (USF) where he served as student-body president, a US Army ROTC cadet, and a collegiate football athlete. He graduated with honors from both college and law school. At USF, COL (Ret.) Piasta met and fell in love with his future wife and native San Franciscan, Kathy Portman. COL (Ret.) Piasta later received a Masters of Law, graduating summa cum laude, from George Washington University.  

COL (Ret.) Piasta joined the Judge Advocate General’s Corps in 1976, and moved to Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He served on active duty until 1981 and developed into an outstanding trial attorney. After leaving active duty, COL (Ret.) Piasta began his career in private practice of 40-years, including 25-years as adjunct professor at USF Law School. Joe built a reputation of professionalism, integrity, and excellence across the local legal community.

COL (Ret.) Piasta also served in the US Army Reserve for 30-years. He mobilized to active duty in 2003 for 9-months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving as the Staff Judge Advocate for the 91st Training Division. He took great pride in training, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of military officers, including three of his children who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and each received Bronze Star Medals. For his exemplary service, he received several recognitions including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal (with two oak leaf clusters).

COL (Ret.) Piasta is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy, of 48 years; his seven children—Mary, Edward, Ann, Theresa, Frank, Joan, and John; and his nine grandchildren—Robert, Constantine, William, Joseph, Colin, Violette, Elizabeth, John, and Everett.  

Please keep the Piasta family in your thoughts during this most difficult time.  


JOSEPH B. BERGER III
LTG, U.S. Army
The Judge Advocate General