Obituary: Giuseppe (Joe) Parisi, 91, Of Danbury

Information and Photo Courtesy Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home

DANBURY, CT — Giuseppe (Joe) Parisi, 91, beloved husband, father, Nonno and Nonno Grande of Danbury, CT, entered eternal peace in heaven on July 30, 2022, at Danbury Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was a dedicated father first and foremost. He treasured his children and especially loved his role as Nonno. In Italy, he and his wife Luigia (Gina) operated a fruit store in Rome prior to coming to the US.

He was a jack of all trades and fearless in trying new ways to solve household issues. His hands were rarely still as he was a master at fixing things. Beginning in the spring and through the summer, he was an avid gardener and could grow hearty vegetables and fruit in all conditions. A skilled winemaker, he enjoyed the fall as he crushed grapes to make wine, a treasured art that the family lovingly participated in. In the winter, he continued to master his craft of making soppressata, an Italian delicacy, another lifelong family tradition.

He was also an accomplished interior/exterior painter. Joe worked primarily as a master furniture refinisher/painter for Castro Convertible until they closed and then at Amphenol as a machinist. He also worked a variety of other jobs most notably at the Danbury Drive-In alongside his wife and family.

Born in the small town of Polia in Catanzaro (Calabria) Italy to the late Vito and Grazia. Joe moved to Rome at age 19 where he married his loving wife Luigia (Gina) Spaziani in 1957 after a 4 year courtship. In 1966, they immigrated to the US and moved to Danbury with their two young children. In addition to his wife of 65 years, he is the loving and devoted father of Luciana (Richard) Targett, Antonio and his significant other Kay, Claudia (Eric) Vignola and Cynthia (Christopher) Robbins. He is also survived by a sister Maria, brothers Domenico, Pietro, Francesco and Antonio, grandchildren Monica (Jason) Balllard, Jessica (James) Perry, Victoria, Justin, Connor, Wesley, Madison, great-granddaughters Riley and Hadley and great-grandson William as well as numerous nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter Maria Grazia of Rome, brothers Vito and Pasquale of Rome and sister Concetta also of Rome.

The funeral mass and interment will be held privately. To livestream the funeral mass, please see the information detailed below.

Memorial donations may be made to Santuario della Madonna del Divino Amore, Via del Santuario 10, 00134 Roma RM