
Hi Dad,
Last night Derek Jeter played his last game at Yankee Stadium. Along with Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, Derek Jeter will be remembered as one of the greatest Yankee's of all time. A word that everyone in baseball correlates to Derek Jeter is RE2SPECT. How he played the game, with RE2SPECT, how he treated his opponents, teammates, umpires… with RE2PECT. 
August 3, 2000, you retired from being an electrician and truck driving, 47 years of hard labor you did to support our family. The year 2000 was also the year of retirement for (3) of the greatest athletes in their sport… Football – John Elway; Hockey – Wayne Gretzky; Basketball – Michael Jordan. So many people in the world looked up to these athletes as role models, for how they played the game, how they were RE2SPECTED among the elites in their sport. 
I always looked up to you, as you were my role model. Long ago you taught me about RE2SPECT and you too were so well RE2SPECTED by the people you worked with and touched throughout your life, your legacy that you created.
To me you will always be the greatest Father of all time, I wish you could be here so we could watch Derek Jeter together as he was a great baseball player who created a legacy with the foundation of RE2SPECT. He learned this from his parents, just like I did.
I miss you Dad, each and every day.

Love your favorite son,
Vito

Dad,

Always on our minds, pictures of you everywhere so memories of you will never be forgotten. My favorite is the one of you from the last two weeks of your life, yet you have the biggest smile on your face - I keep it on my fridge and I know you're just laughing at me half the time when you see me pulling my hair out from the kind of day that I'm having!  Miss and think of you every day!

Love,
Kathy

Dad,

Yesterday was 9 months for your passing and going to heaven. Always in our hearts and minds. As Linda stated, "you did it all" with such dignity and were so strong to the very end. Your legacy will live on forever and as Jon Difatta explained to me that is such a great accomplishment in life "building a lasting legacy" and you are now at rest. I will keep your legacy alive and try to be the great father and leader of our family as you always did with such dignity and class, with family always being number one.

Love you forever,
Vito

Dad,
From the time you discovered you had lung cancer to the time you passed, you found a way to do it all with such dignity.  We thought we would have more time with you, but we thank God for the special talks we all shared before your passing to help us with our closure process.  We will miss you always, Love, Tony, Linda (your favorite daughter), John, Julie, & Anthony

Dad,
We miss you dearly. Life is so surreal without you and your ongoing love and support for the entire family. We know you are in heaven and Grandma Parise and the rest of the famiglia is so glad to hold you again. Always in our hearts and minds, love and miss you forever.

Dad, thank you for being such a wonderful mentor and making me the person I am today. You instilled such strong values in us and it has helped me throughout my life. I love and miss you!  Krum xoxo

Dad, I am proud to be your daughter.!  I miss you and not to worry , we will all take care of mom.  Xoxo see you in heaven. Love Pam

Vito, I never got to meet your Dad but based on your eloquent words, it is truly my loss, I wish I could have known him. 
His love of family is the most important legacy he could have left to his own family.   He sounded like a great man and I am sure he will be missed by all who knew him. Andrea and I will keep him in our prayers

Uncle, felt you watching over everyone during your "life celebration", yes, celebration, not mourning. You had many visitors sharing their love and memories of you and your amazing family. Your legacy will continue, your memory will remain strong in our hearts always.  So much love shared with our families over the years...
Love, Bonnie (Parisi) Ricci

Vito was a great man.  I was so impressed by his family and the love and compassion that was shared in their house.  He lived a great life and I was sorry I was unable to see him before he passed, but I know the family understands the love I had for him in my heart.

Dear Aunt Dorothy and Cousins,

It is so very hard to believe Uncle Vito has passed on to heaven. Even being at the services, it still does not feel real. He lives on in the hearts of his family and extended family and friends. You both raised such an incredible family.  His legacy lives on through you.  I love you and miss you Uncle Vito.  I know you are with your parents, siblings and family smiling down on us.  God Bless!

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We're so sorry for your loss.
Sprint S&R team.

Dad: To my best friend who I will dearly miss each and every day. Love Always and Forever, Vito J. Parise

Below is the eulogy my sisters and I presented to the funeral mass.

Good morning and thank you for attending our father's funeral mass. A very special thank you to the friends and relatives who traveled very far, Aunt Diane, Uncle Bill, cousins Donna and Janet from Arizona, cousins Rick and Frank Parise, Jr. also from Arizona, cousin Bonnie from Arkansas, cousin John Parise from Ohio and a special call out to our relatives who could not physically be here; Aunt Delores in Florida, cousin Mike in Arkansas, Aunt Isabelle and Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Frank in Arizona, as we know they are thinking of us today. Our Dad was a man of honor, respect, integrity and most of all he was about family. In the next few minutes we would like to take you through his life journey, and share with you, why we and so many others cherish and adore Vito Parise, Jr. 
Our Dad was many things to his family and friends, as he was a loving and proud son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, soon to be great grandfather, he was a landscaper, a Teamster of Local 705, a President, a teacher, and he will be remembered best for being a co-author of a love story. I also considered him the smartest man I knew and in a few minutes I will tell you why.
Dad was born August 3, 1934, to Vito Parise, Sr. and Frances Parise. Dad had 10 brothers and sisters. My Dad's family dealt with death early on as their son Charlie, daughters Isabelle and Victoria died at very early ages, son Leonard was killed in World War II. Dad's remaining siblings are they one's we knew and dearly loved Uncle John, Uncle Dominick, Uncle Frank, Uncle Sam, Auntie Vicky and Auntie Isabelle, the girls were named after their sisters who passed. Dad lost his Mom in 1961 he was 27 years old when this happened. Vito Sr. passed in 1978.  Dad's remaining siblings Frank and Isabelle reside in Arizona and could not be with us physically today, but I know they are thinking of us and our deeply sadden by the passing of their favorite brother, or as my Aunt Evelyn would say “Vito is our favorite guy”. Dad was someone who worried a lot, as a discussion we had once was about his poor sleep habits, Dad would always get up about 2 or 3 am, I asked Dad what do you do so early in the morning? He stated that he will read the paper, watch TV, and then he hesitated for a moment and said, “I miss my family”. I was perplexed at first and asked him what do you mean? He said he misses his Mom and Dad, his brothers and sisters, worries about his kids, “the goose” thinks about when it's his time. Family was always on Dad's mind.
Mom and Dad have always loved children and it showed through the birth of their six children, Susan, Pam, Linda, Kathy, Laura, and their favorite son, me! We have many childhood memories; Car wash trips with Dad; Watching the Ed Sullivan and Lawrence Welk shows with Mom and Dad; Laughing hysterically watching the Dean Martin comedy roasts. Dad really liked Foster Brooks and Don Rickles. Laugh-In, Love American Style, Room 222, Welcome Back Kotter, Happy Days, The Honeymooners, some great family shows and we together as a family watched these shows throughout the years. Sunday was also special as we would have sandwich night and watch the Sunday night Disney movie. Once it was time for bed all six kids had to line up and give mom and dad a kiss on the cheek. We also remember listening to the Connie Francis albums, family trips to Cedar Lake with the Jaegers. Going to Cub games, as Mom would make corn-beef sandwiches on rye with pickles and our treat at Wrigley Field was the chocolate malt ice cream cups. Family trips to Santa's Village, family road trips to Wisconsin Dells and if you could sit in the front seat with Mom and Dad boy that was a treat. Halloween was fun too, except the year 165 W. Kathleen was bombarded with eggs. Some young boys thought our front door was a pitching target, but they were mistaken and were not aware who lived inside 165. As all us kids were sorting through our Halloween candy, my Dad asked if we heard that noise, no one did, Dad at an early age had bionic hearing, he ran to the front door and there was eggs running down the front door, Dad took off like a jack-rabbit and chased the young boys 2 blocks and caught them, brought them back to the house and introduce them to the Des Plaines Police Department, he made the kids clean up their mess and let them know  if you do this again, I will have a conversation with your parents, after the kids stopped crying my dad gave them a full bag of candy each. Such a softie he was… 
The Holidays were so much fun too. Christmas Eve on Kathleen Drive with the entire Aunts, Uncles and cousins, Santa's helper would make a visit and many gifts for all. Thanksgiving by Aunt Diane and Uncle Bill, Easter and Sunday dinners at Aunt Delores and Uncle Sam's. Fourth of July by Uncle John and Auntie Ann on Lake Briarwood. One 4th of July all us kids and cousins were playing in the front yard, as a car drove by the driver threw a package of firecrackers right at us kids, this guy must have been related to the Halloween egg throwing bunch, because he didn't know who was inside the Lake Briarwood home, as my Dad and his brothers ran after this car, the car actually stopped. Mistake! Dad and his brothers had a candid conversation with this gentleman, one conversation I don't think he forgot. Our Dad always protected us and really was a quiet, gentle man, but if you thought of putting his family in harm's way, not a good idea.
Dad not only loved his family, he loved his home. He loved to landscape, plant flower and vegetable gardens with my Mom. In the early years he was known in the neighborhood as the lawn Nazi, as if you walked on the grass, he would give neighborhood kids a verbal warning and shout out, “get off the grass, what you think sidewalks are for?” His passion for gardening is evident in all of his children, as we all have green thumbs. I will dearly miss Dad's spring garden inspections, he would always walk in the backyard and inspect my work, tell me every year how to water the tomato plants, how Grandpa Parise watered the tomato plants, “get a coffee can and only put an inch of water in the can and do these once a week to each plant”. Memorable moments for sure and these will always be remembered and treasured. Dad taught us important family values and strong work ethic.  We are all better people for all the lessons he taught us. We may not have agreed with him on everything while growing up but appreciated it so much more once we were on our own and then when we had the blessing of becoming parents. We are all so incredibly proud of how he fought this battle. He showed unbelievable courage and strength and did it all for his family.
Dad was a proud American, he was so proud to be a Teamster of Chicago Local 705. He loved driving a truck as he did this for 38 years. After driving 12 years for Burlington Truck Lines, he went to apprentice school to become an electrician. Dad was so excited and proud to work for his brother Frank, who owned MG Electric in Arlington Heights. Dad once in a while would take me to work with him, and I would sweep the floor in the warehouse, it was such a thrill going to work with my Dad. As an electrician he had a difficult time getting a union card, so he experienced a few lay-offs and finally decided to go back to trucking and started at his final job, Alside Building Supply Company. As a young boy Dad would pick me up in the summer time and I would be his helper, offloading aluminum siding, roofing shingles, windows and doors. Dad always told me if I work hard he would treat me to lunch, it was such a treat. We would never go to a McDonald's, he would always take me to authentic Italian delis for sub sandwiches or beef sandwiches. Our Dad had a tremendous work ethic, I never once heard my Dad complain about work, he was so dedicated and had a passion for what he did, and his co-workers loved him because if he finished his work he would always help others.
Dad was also a President, yes a President. In 1973 Will Seefeldt was the founder and President of The Waycinden Boys Baseball League for 16 years, Will decided to step down and handpicked our father to be President. This organization consisted of 660 boys from the ages of 8-16 years old. Dad had such a passion for baseball and the love of children, this was a perfect fit. As Dad was building his team to manage this large organization, his first pick was of course our Mom, as Secretary. My Mom and Dad put in countless hours of volunteer work from 1974-1976, as my Dad believed that the President of the League should only have three-year terms. Mom was up many late nights as she would be the publisher of the “Little Slugger”. This was a weekly re-cap of all games and highlights, Mom would type this up and get the final copy off to Copyco Printing, then my Dad would have to drive the copy over to their offices in downtown Des Plaines, no e-mail. As a player in this league the summers were extremely hot and uncomfortable as we had to wear wool uniforms, not a lot fun in June and July. But my Dad and Mom put together a great team for fundraisers and were able to generate enough money to buy the entire league brand new double-knit uniforms, just like the pros wore. Our parents became instant icons around the league and neighborhoods, the fundraising continued and brand new equipment was bought for the entire league. One of the many highlights of our Dad's 3-year term was at the end of the season, Awards night. Where the first and second placed teams received trophies. My Dad would also reach out to the Chicago Cubs organization to obtain a player to attend and hand out the awards and sign autographs. There were huge crowds at these events and they were very loud. As my Dad was known in getting the audiences to quiet down, by saying, “Can I have your attention please”, when my Dad stated this with a slight inflection in his voice, people listened. Our Dad and Mom put countless hours in together, as this was another full-time job for both of them, but you never, ever heard any complaints, it was their love and passion for the game of baseball and children that made this league a huge success. 
Our Dad was also a teacher, as he taught all of us kids about work ethic, respecting and helping others. Especially our family always number one, school work was first, then you better help your mother, third make sure your rooms are clean and organized, I was pretty good with this, as my sisters use to call me Felix. As a kid we had hardwood floors in our house and I use to use Pledge to clean the hardwood floors, not a good idea, as my bedroom became an ice rink, very slippery. My Dad and Mom were proud of all us kids, growing up I always heard the stories about my sisters, as my Mom and Dad boasted about their kids, Susan was the smart one in school, (we all remember Sue taking Dad's '73 Ninety Eight Oldsmobile, backing in the drive way like Dad would always do, but Sue did it a little differently than Dad by backing in and taking out the gas lantern and putting a nice dent in the car) Pam was the artist, (always in the basement creating beautiful drawings) Linda was always doing her homework, getting straight A's and Dad telling us younger kids, “be like your sister Linda”. Kathy… uhhh I thought long and hard and I could not come up with anything… just kidding I would always clean up after Kathy as she would have party's when Mom and Dad were not home and never clean up. But seriously Kathy was a great athlete as a kid and always had great drive and determination. Laura, she was the baby and as Dad would call her the “little brown bear” as she would get so dark and tan in the summer, just like Dad did. But early in Laura's life, at the age of three, I took the liberty to rename Laura, her name was no longer Laura, it was the Crumb. Laura made us all so proud as she was the first one of us kids to graduate from College, University of Western Michigan alumni! 
Me… well at the age of 4 years old my Dad began to teach me about my first love, it was the game of baseball. He was my manager, my coach, always practicing with me even after working 12 hour days; he was always there for me teaching me about respecting the game, and playing the game the right way. Dad always told me it was a privilege to play the game of baseball as he shared a story with me about he as a young boy could never play organized baseball. His father wanted him to work and help support the family at home. Dad would play baseball in the street with his friends and they would have “look outs” for my grandfather, as soon as the “lookouts” saw my grandfather, they would yell to my Dad and my Dad would run home before his Dad got there. My Dad coached me from the age of 4 to 13, as I went to high school he was no longer my on the field manager, or coach. It was such a strange feeling not having Dad on the field with me after 10 years of always being there. But this is where my Dad and I started to become best friends. After every high school practice I would come home and give him minute by minute breakdown of what we did. I was the starting pitcher of our Freshman A team. My Dad would attend every game and even chart all my pitches during the course of the game. We would review this between innings and he starting to give signs during the game from his seat in the stands. He especially liked when I ran the count to 0-2, and he always wanted me to pitch inside and back the batter off the plate, Especially if the batter before got a hit off of me before, he would touch his chin, meaning, “throw him chin music” which meant, throw a fastball up and hard by his chin, don't hit him, just back him-off the plate. Then throw another fastball on the outside corner, it worked 99% of the time. Dad loved the high school baseball fields as this was the “big leagues” with grass infields and the fields being dragged before each practice and game, the grass freshly cut. Ground balls hit hard would not take a bad bounce as it was always the case in Little League with the all dirt fields. We were talking once about that after a high school practice he watched, I told him I remember the days when you would hit me ground balls so hard and it would take a bad bounce and I had many bruises on my chest, shoulders, collar bone and chin from getting in front of the ball, like you always told me, “stay down”. Sometimes it hurt so bad my eyes would tear up, but I couldn't let my Dad or teammates see me cry. My Dad told me, “Do you know why I hit those balls so hard?”, I said no, why? He said,” because if you could handle my ground balls you could handle anything hit at you, I always wanted you to be the best”. Dad was a great teacher.
Dad's greatest accomplishment was being a co-author of the greatest love story we know. Being married to our Mom for 60 years. Mom and Dad met when they were in the 8th grade, starting to date when they were 16. My Mom was 19 and Dad was 18 when they were wed on June 13, 1953. They were inseparable and did everything together. My Dad never golfed, never said I have to watch this game with the guys at this bar, never gambled, and was about loving my mother and his family. Us kids remember the “three kisses”. Every time Dad left for work he always kissed my Mom goodbye, three kisses on the lips, when he got home, same thing, three kisses. If Dad missed count and it was only two, Mom would yell at him and say, “Hey get back here”. Together they raised six beautiful kids, love and adore 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild due in May. Plus if you count all the kids my parents watched over the past 34 years, yes 34 years, god bless my mother, over 100 adopted grandchildren, as the kids always called my parents grandma and grandpa. After my Dad retired us kids really enjoyed seeing Mom and Dad travel on their trips together. Going to Italy, South Carolina, Florida, Arizona, their mini-trips with the card club, seeing all the pictures being so organized in Mom's albums. Going to all the grandchildren's sporting events, school plays, graduations, birthdays, they were always there… together. A true love story we all admire and we are all truly blessed in being part of this wonderful journey with my Dad and Mom.
I always considered my Dad the smartest man I knew, as he shared this story with me on my wedding day. On March 14th 1990, I met the woman that would change my life forever, Allison Benker. The day I met her I could not wait to bring her home and meet my Dad and Mom. I did this after a week of dating. I brought Allison home to meet Mom and Dad, and of course they hit it off right away, we stayed and chatted for about a half hour before Allison and I left for dinner. After we left, My Dad tells my Mom, “that's the one, that's the girl Vito will marry”! My Dad was a very smart man!
In closing, I would like to say thank you to all for attending today, listening and being part of our Father's legacy. He was a man who was physically 5'9”, but when he spoke about his wife, his kids, his entire family and friends, he stood 7 feet tall! Our Dad will always be with us, his spirit lives within us and he always told me, Vito stand tall, stand proud you are a Parise. In his final days, he told me, “Vito it is you now, take care of your family, your sisters and the goose, and I told him I will, it's an honor to follow you.”
Dad, there is no more suffering now. You are whole again. We will find comfort in knowing that we have a special angel in heaven watching over us. God bless you, we miss and love you forever…

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your
time of grief.  May your memories bring you 
comfort.

The staff of Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care

To the Parise family,
Vito was a member of our cardio workout class and was the hit of the class with his jokes and remarks. We also knew him when he was President of Waycinden and my husband was Treasurer. We will surely miss him. Our condolences to you all.

Elaine and Larry Delzer

Uncle Vito was the most honorable man I have ever known. Heaven is a richer place with Uncle Vito there looking down and taking care of us from above.

Two my favorite brother always.Iknow you are happy in heaven with all of are family.You will never know how much I miss and love you. Isabelle

You and Dorothy will always have our love as well as your wonderful family.
We know that you are now at peace and free of pain.
We will miss you.

Dolores and Jim

WE FEEL YOUR LOSS AND HAVE LOVED HIM SO MUCH. HE WAS AND WILL ALWAYS BE OUR FAVORITE GUY.

ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS. REMEMBERED WITH LOVE

EVELYN AND FRANK

We are so sorry to hear about Uncle Vito!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. He will always be in our hearts and be remembered. We love and miss you all!

To the Parise Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Vito.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.  I hope you find comfort in knowing that you will see him again one day.  I always remember him trying to get the redeye out of Florida to get away of the August heat wave.

It has been a great honor to have been included in some of your family gatherings as well as gotten to know your family.
 Mr. and Mrs. Parise clearly have centered their lives around raising the best of people.....so evident in the way their children and their children's families have come together during the most difficult in times. 
  Although the end is always sad, he must be so proud and at peace knowing he could rest comfortably and that all will be ok with what he built and left behind. 
He did his job well here on earth! 
Prayers for peace to your families in the times ahead...love you all:)

Jack & Jennifer Pretto & Family
or as Mr. Parise liked to call us...The Bickerson's

Dear Parise family, we are so saddened by Mr. Parise's passing and your family's loss.  'Big V' will always be remembered for his warm smile and his devotion to his large family.  We also felt his interest in others and we will miss him.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. P, Sue, Pam, Linda, Vito, Kathy, Laura and all the grand kids.  With love, Bob Zombo & family

To the Parise Family,
Our prayers and thoughts go out to all of you and your families.  There is nobody else who could pinch my cheeks like Mr. Parise.

I will always remember his smile and him hitting baseballs to us in our back yards. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Parise family.

Dear Vito and Alison:  We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear father. Your family will be in our prayers.  May your memories of your father sustain you and your children in this time of mourning.       Love, Marikay & Jeff

To the entire Parise Family:

We are very sorry for your loss.  I hope that all of your precious memories carry you through this very difficult time.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love, The DeVito Family - Pam, Mike, Michael and Gianna

My prayers are for Vito and condolences to the entire Parise family. I am certain the children he served and protected so faithfully for so long will miss him as well.

To Dorothy and Parise Family: Will always remember our first meeting and the happy times we shared together.   Prayers and deepest sympathy, 
Carol and Bob

To the Parise Family,  Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very very sad time.  

All our love and condolences Mike and Marla Zombo and family.

Dear Dorothy and family,

My deepest condolences to you and your family in the passing of your beloved husband/father and grandfather.  My prayers and thoughts will be with you.

Arlene Jett

Extending my heartfelt condolences to the Parise family for the passing of your beloved Vito.  Throw all your sorrow upon God because he cares for you.

Grandpa i will always miss you i hope you have a happy time in heaven we will always be a great family you made i have learned so much from you love you lots love mia - cuppy

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Dear Vito and Family,

My deepest sympathies regarding the loss of your father. I share in your sadness and continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Grandpa, I hope you have a happy life in heaven. Love, Jackson

Dear Grandpa, I will miss your visits to SC.
Love Olivia


To the Parise family; my sincerest condolences.  My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Love, 
Carol

Many prayers for peace to the Parise family.  Great set of pictures.

Val and I extend our deepest condolences to the Parise family in this time of sorrow. Vito was one of our favorite people! He always had a positive attitude and a smile that could light up a room. A very special person.
May God comfort you.
Ed and Val Ennis

My thoughts and prayers are with the Praise Family.

We were so sad to hear of Vito's passing.  He will always be remembered with a sweet smile on his face.

Dear Parise Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss.  May you find comfort,love,and strength from each other and from your friends and family.  You are all in my prayers.
Warmest regards,
Laura Wattles

We extend our thoughts and prayers to the entire Parise family. These are indeed difficult times, we are with you in spirit and God Bless you all. The Lord now sits with your father watching over him. Remember all that he brought you and cheish the memories. Rejoice in knowing he is resting comfortably in good place now. Spencer & Laurie Ruhlin and family

Laura,
My condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father.  You will always remember his smile, laughter and the sound of his voice.
Bill and Kristina Kalebich

OBITUARY

Vito Parise Jr.

August 3, 1934 – February 7, 2013

Oehler Funeral Home

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