Joseph "Pep" J. Parise

Joseph J. (Pep) Parise, (101), passed away peacefully to his eternal rest on 11/24/2020.

He was born 9/18/1919 in Meadville, PA, to parents Joseph J. Parise and Grace Intilisano.

He served in the U.S. Army from 10 June 1941 to 7 October 1945, and was trained as a Combat Infantryman and a Radio Operator. During World War II he was assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 324th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Division. The division fought in three campaigns, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe recording 230 days in combat, and a record of 144 continuous days in combat. He was awarded several decorations, and citations to include the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in direct support of combat operations. On a number of occasions he risked his life to ensure steady communications between the elements of the front lines.
 
After his honorable discharge, he returned to Meadville and began his career at Talon Zipper where he met his beautiful wife, Agnes Yurcak Parise. They married January 10, 1948 and were members of St. Agatha's church. His wife preceded him in death, April 9, 2016 after 68 years of marriage. He attended Meadville Commercial College and the Erie Barber School. He worked for the Erie Insurance Exchange, barbered in various locations and had several property investments.  Following his retirement in PA, they moved to Ormond Beach, Florida in 1986 and became members of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. He continued working as a custodian for Memorial Hospital and for the Volusia School District where he retired from at age 84. His hard work ethic was admired and appreciated by his family.
He enjoyed fishing, attending musical shows and seeing countless artists over the years. He had an affinity for baseball, traveling to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and New York.  He was our #1 NY Yankee fan! He loved supporting Meadville sports, especially his son’s football and wrestling teams.  He got great pleasure challenging anyone to a card game of Kings Down. He was passionate about 'keeping it moving', taking long walks, swimming at the YMCA and working out at Golds Gym until his early 90's. In recent years he could be seen spinning around the Ormond area on his electric scooter shopping at his favorite spots or having an Egg McMuffin at McDonalds. He loved going out to eat at Rivergate Coffee and Steak n Shake. His love for people was evident as he had quite the reputation of relationships in the community. He loved life and lived it fully. His fun nature and wit were thoroughly enjoyed by his children, grand-children and their friends. His all-time favorite joy was spending time with family, near and far, especially traveling to Meadville where he marveled over the bountiful garden and visiting deer at Lou and Linda’s. He is a legend for all that knew him and truly was a solid foundation for his family.
 
He leaves behind to honor his memory, four children, Linda Jo (Lou) Myers, Meadville PA, Gina Kaloostian, Ormond Beach, FL, Nancy Parise, Ormond Beach, FL, Dennis (Patricia) Parise of The Netherlands, Grandchildren – Lynette (Brian) Olson, Meadville, PA, Amy (Tom) Longstreth, Atlanta, GA, Chip (Kaori) Kaloostian, Tokyo, Japan, Dustin Kaloostian, Neptune Bch, FL, Corey Kaloostian, Santa Monica, CA, Aron (Alexis) Kaloostian, St. Petersburg, FL and their father, Ronald Kaloostian of Ormond Bch. Anthony Johnston, Daytona Bch., Hollie Johnston, Jacksonville, FL, Dominic Johnston, active duty United States Navy, Tokyo, Japan, Valentina, Marco and Angelina Parise of The Netherlands, Great grandchildren- Jacob, Lauren, Haley, Joe, Rei, Lui, Cameron, Riley Jo, Kit, Drift and Gabe. His brother Johnny Parise, Meadville, PA, brother-in-law Ray Yurcak and sister-in-law, Pauline Andrews of Erie, PA and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Bennie, Josephine, Mary, Angelina and his eldest grandson, Lenny Myers.

The family suggests donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 9, 2021, at St. Agatha Roman Catholic Church, 353 Pine St., Meadville, with Fr. Jeff Lucas, Pastor, officiating.

Joseph will be laid to rest next to his wife Agnes, in St. Brigid Cemetery with Full Military Honors by VFW Post #2006. There will be a private family dinner following the burial.

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