Joseph Maxwell Tezza III

Joseph Maxwell "Max" Tezza III, of Sullivan's Island, South Carolina and Marietta, Georgia entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the age of 38.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM, Friday, September 4, 2026, at Stella Maris Catholic Church, 1204 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island. The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery, 60 Huguenin Avenue.

Joseph Maxwell Tezza III, to everyone who loved him, simply "Max", was born in Charleston, South Carolina on June 8, 1988, to the late Joseph Maxwell Tezza Jr. and Bette Baggett Tezza.

Max is survived by his grandfather, Joseph Maxwell Tezza, Sr. (Charleen); two sisters, Michelle Watson and Haley Rogers (Larry); first cousin, Luke Andrews-Tezza; niece, McKenzie Watson and great-nephew, Brooks Titmas. In addition to his immediate family, Max is survived by his aunts, Therese "Terri" Tezza (Mark), Vikki Devereux of Mt. Pleasant and Fets of Folly Beach; cousin, Trey Devereux of Mt. Pleasant and numerous cousins.

Max was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Maxwell Tezza Jr.; grandmother, Shirley Marie Barley Tezza and his uncles, Hugo Ernest Tezza and James A. "Buzzy" Baggett.

Max grew up between both Mt. Pleasant and Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, which remained home for much of his life. He always recounted his favorite childhood memories of being on the water crabbing, shrimping or fishing with his grandfather and uncle Hugo. It took a village to guide Max's independent spirit and that was most visible when he spoke of all his adventures with his numerous family members.

From a young age, it became apparent that Max was creative, observant, witty and curious; all traits that carried over into his adult life. As described affectionately by his aunt Terri, "Both sides of his brain worked, right and left". Max was deeply talented at anything he put his mind to but was particularly talented in both the art and culinary worlds. As he got older, he proved his culinary skill by working his way up the ranks at numerous restaurants, becoming an irreplaceable member of the team wherever he was.

Max moved to Greenville, South Carolina, in 2018 where he built a life with his girlfriend, Hannah Pimlott, whom Max loved very deeply along with their animals. He also moved to the Atlanta area in 2021 after accepting an Executive Chef position and while building an impressive resume, he reconnected with his family members living in Marietta, Georgia. Max transferred back to the Greenville area in 2023 before returning to Sullivan's Island in 2026 where he lived and made memories with his aunt Terri and his longtime special friend Ashley Perry-Platine until his passing.

Max had an especially big heart for animals. Throughout his life, Max was the proud Dad of Chloe, Sullivan, Tyrone, Banjo and Viola. They were much more than pets; they were his family. His love for them was one of the clearest reflections of his kind and gentle spirit.

Music was another constant in Max's life. His songs were distinctly his own, from Led Zeppelin and Cake to the Wu-Tang Clan, Between the Buried and Me, The Cranberries, Beach Boys and Andrea Bocelli. To quote Max's friend Deric, "One of the chillest, down-to-earth people, I have ever met and would go out of his way to just be kind and helpful to anyone".

He leaves behind a family who adored him and countless friends who will forever miss his laughter, his insight and his gentle heart. Max's spirit will live on in every shared meal, every sunset over the water and every hilarious story told in his memory.

In lieu of flowers please remember Max through Pet Helpers, 1430 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29414 or to the Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.