Wallingford Mourns Death Of Local Legend Bob Parisi

WALLINGFORD, CT — The Wallingford community is mourning the death of Bob Parisi, a local legend who served nearly 40 years on the Town Council and was involved with numerous organizations and causes.

Parisi died Aug. 24 at the age of 90. He served as a Republican on the Town Council for 36 years, including 18 years as chairman.

“Upon his retirement from politics in 2015, the Town Council Chambers were named in his honor, a fitting tribute to a man whose name became inseparable from the town he loved,” his obituary reads. “As Lawrence J. DeNardis said, ‘Bob Parisi will always be Wallingford, and Wallingford will always be Bob Parisi.’”

A post on the Town of Wallingford Government Facebook page remembered Parisi for his “commitment to Wallingford, his willingness to work with others, and his dedication to public service.”

“Bob was more than a longtime Council member,” the post reads. “To generations of residents and fellow public servants, he was a mentor, advisor, and friend. His knowledge of Wallingford and his years of service helped shape the community we know today.”

Republican Town Councilor Tom Laffin called Parisi “one of the greatest sons of Wallingford there could ever be.”

“My mentor, political godfather, and friend...and he was those things to others, Bob truly lived to serve and make our world...Wallingford...the best place it could be,” Laffin wrote in a post on Facebook.

Democratic Town Councilor Samuel Carmody wrote that “Wallingford lost a legend with the passing of Bob Parisi.”

“Bob was, in so many ways, Mr. Wallingford,” Carmody wrote in a post on Facebook. “During more than 36 years on the Wallingford Town Council, including 18 years as chairman, Bob dedicated himself to serving our community and always putting Wallingford and its people first.

“I am grateful to have known Bob for most of my life and proud to have called him a friend. When I was first elected to the Town Council, he was someone I turned to for advice and guidance and his friendship meant a great deal to me.”

Maria Fernanda Campos-Harlow, Executive Director of United Way of Meriden and Wallingford, said she was immediately struck by Parisi’s “warmth, his remarkable gift for public service, and his delightful sense of humor.”

“He made me feel genuinely welcomed and part of the Wallingford community from the very beginning,” she wrote in a post on Facebook. “Over the years, Bob became a dear friend, someone who was always ready to support me, both personally and professionally. I will deeply miss our endless conversations, his wise advice, and the countless laughs we shared.

“Wallingford has lost one of its legends; a friend, mentor, and inspiration to so many. Bob embodied a deep love for his country and a devoted commitment to serving his community.”

Parisi, a U.S. Army veteran, began his political career as Wallingford’s first Sidewalk Inspector and went on to serve as Assistant Registrar of Voters before being elected to the Town Council.

“A man of Catholic faith, Bob lived with conviction, generosity, and a deep love for his family, his church, and his community,” his obituary reads. “He will be remembered not only for his many titles and accomplishments, but for the way he carried himself with strength, loyalty, and a servant’s heart. His life was a blessing to Wallingford and to all who knew him.”

Calling hours will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28 at The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext.

Read the full obituary at Wallingford Funeral Home here.