Domenico Parisella Sr.

Domenico Parisella, Sr., 74, passed away February 26, 2016. He was the husband of Arlene (Erickson) Parisella. Born in Italy, he was a son of the late Arcangelo and Annunziata (Parisella) Parisella; father of Deanna Parisella –Sackett (husband Robert) and Domenic Parisella Jr.; grandfather of Joelle, James, Nicholas and Justin; brother of Diana Parisella and the late Maryann Pannozzo and her husband Fernando Pannozzo; uncle of Elena and Franco Ballassone, Debra and Paul Caruso, and Nando and Cheryl Pannozzo as well as 7 great-nieces and great-nephews.

Domenico was born in Fondi, Italy and came to America in 1960. Settling down in Rhode Island, he proudly became an American citizen in 1985. Domenic, as his friends called him, has been a lifelong animal lover, especially when it came to his beloved birds. His passion for these animals inspired him to open his first business in 1987 called Domenic’s Tropical Birds which later transformed into one of Rhode Island’s best independent pet shops, Pure Paradise Pets in Johnston. Among his great joys which he found in bird watching, he also truly enjoyed driving his 1957 Chevy, spending time at Mohegan Sun Casino, and his day would not be complete without his other favorite joy…a morning coffee and bagel from Dunkin’ Donuts. Domenic was a devoted husband and proud father. His strong and sometimes persistent desire for wanting to care for his family and friends is a quality that will be dearly missed.

Visitation and funeral will be held Wednesday, 9-10:30 a.m. in the PONTARELLI-MARINO Home, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Edward Church, 997 Branch Avenue, Providence. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Please omit flowers.