Damian "Donnie" Parisi

With heavy hearts, we gather to celebrate the life of Damian Parisi—a man whose laughter echoed like a timeless melody. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Damian’s journey was woven with threads of love, family, and cherished memories.

Growing up in the vibrant tapestry of West New York and North Bergen, New Jersey, with his brother Victor (wife Helena) and sister Lisa (husband Anthony), Damian embraced the warmth of family gatherings. His mother Victoria’s cooking—each dish a labor of love—anchored those moments. But it was his father Paul who gifted him with indelible memories, especially an outing to Ebbets Field, where Damian’s beloved Brooklyn Dodgers danced across the diamond. That day, father and son shared more than baseball; they etched joy into the fabric of Damian’s soul.

The Vietnam War called Damian to duty where he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Amid homesickness, he wrote heartfelt letters to his parents. And once, in an act of love and longing, his mother airmailed a block of provolone cheese to Okinawa, Japan. The barracks never smelled the same, but Damian’s heart swelled with the taste of home—a taste that transcended distance and time.

Family was the cornerstone of Damian’s life. He was a loving partner to his wife, Susan (née Zeliff), since 1973. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Suzanne (husband Jim), Jeffrey (wife Maria), and AmyKelly. His many nephews and nieces adored him, and he was so fond of becoming an official “Godfather” to Alec Paul. Later, as “Appa,” Damian reveled in the magic of grandparenthood, his heartstrings woven into his grandsons Domenico, GianPaul, and Maxwell. And Odie, his loyal companion, always sat by his side in silent understanding.

Amid these cherished family moments, Damian’s heartbeat found another rhythm—one that would accompany him through the years. His Memorial High School varsity basketball debut, etched in memory, swelled his chest with pride. As a referee, he balanced fairness and passion, blowing the whistle with unwavering integrity. But it was coaching his grandson’s travel basketball team that truly ignited him.

Friendship, Damian believed, was a symphony of souls. Grammar school classmates, high school buddies, neighbors from Lodi and Mahwah, New Jersey, church groups, a band of cousins, and many colleagues—all were instrumental in his life. Their love was unwavering and true.

Damian’s legacy pulses within us. His humor—as loved and appreciated as Elvis’s velvet voice. His integrity, as strong as a ballad sung by Frank Sinatra. His loyalty, a beat that echoes through the years. His very Hudson County accent and mannerisms were endearing to friends and strangers alike. And family—the oldies station playing in his heart—reminds us that love transcends earthly bounds.

As we honor Damian’s life, let us sway to the rhythm of memories. Let us carry forward his spirit, cheering for the Dodgers and Knicks, raising a glass to lifelong friendships, and dancing to the tunes that echo across the heavens.