Michael Anthony Parrella Sr.

He was surrounded by his family and close friends while enjoying a beloved program that he and his wife watched religiously together.

Michael was born on June 21st 1933 to Antoinette (LaBella) Parrella and Biaggio (Benny) Parrella in Utica, New York.

Michael graduated from Proctor High school in 1951. He then went on to study Pharmacology at the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. After graduating with a degree in Pharmacy, he was drafted to The United States Navy and was stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital where he was head of the Pharmacy department. Once discharged, Michael returned to his hometown of Utica where he and the love of his life Catherine Santoro were married at the Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Church in 1959.

They moved to Oneonta (1959) and purchased Suntag Drugstore with his partner Freddie Basilio. Michael always wanted to raise a family and build a life in a small town where “he could call everyone by their first name.” Together Mike and Cathy raised their three children Benjamin Parrella, Michael (Bear) Parrella Jr. and Judith (Parrella) Hurlburt. Michael is predeceased by his daughter Mary Parrella.

Michael was an active member of Saint Mary’s Church where he served on the Board of

Directors and was President of The Knights of Columbus. Mike and Cathy, along with John and

Louise Nitto co-founded the Knights of Columbus Fish Fry that ran throughout Lent. He furthered his charitable and religious work through the donation of his time for Holy Souls, cutting materials for premature babies. Michael had a lifelong commitment to donating blood where he helped save the lives of over 1200 people. He was recognized and received The American Red Cross, Southern Tier Chapter, Real Heroes Blood Donor Award.

Michael was an avid hunter and exceptional craftsman of wood. He created and whittled countless projects that will be forever treasured. Mike was an active member of the Young at Heart social group. Mike and Cathy were also members of the Retreads Motorcycle Club where they enjoyed group rides and furthered their love for travel. Mike and Cathy covered over 10,000 miles across the United States on their motorcycle where they enjoyed country western music, national monuments, and explored together.

Mike was a caring and loving Husband, Father, Poppie, and GG who will be forever missed.

Mike is survived by his brother Vincent Parrella of Utica; his three children, Benjamin Parrella (Harriett Dunne), Michael A Parrella Jr. (Ann Marie (Polly)), and Judith Hurlburt (David). He is also survived by adoring grandchildren, Lynea Parker, Kaylea Cetnar (Brian), Maria Parrella (Scott Walzer), Courtney Sweet (Daniel), Rocco Parrella, Kirstin Hurlburt (Anthony Roach), and Nica Hurlburt. Mike will also be deeply missed by his seven beautiful great grandchildren, god-children, nieces, nephews and cousins in Utica, and New Haven CT.

Michael’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the kind and nurturing staff of Hospice Helios Care. The family would also like to extend their sincerest appreciation to all family members and friends during this time.

Calling hours will be held on Friday January 20, 2023 at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home,

14 Grand Street, Oneonta, from 7-9 pm.

A Catholic mass will be held at Saint Mary’s Church on Saturday January 21, 2023 at 10 am.

Entombment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons, will take place in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are asked to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or the American Red Cross, www.redcross.org.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com for the Parrella family.