Passing of Past State President Joseph Parillo, Jr. by Nancy DiFiore Quinn The New York Grand Lodge, Order Sons of Italy in America mourns the passing of the 23rd State President of New York OSIA … Brother Joseph Parillo, Jr., devoted member of the Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge No. 321, Schenectady. President Parillo served as State President from June 1989 to June 1993. His service to the Grand Lodge of New York was both remarkable and impressive. During his term of office he initiated the co-sponsorship of the Italian Experience at Hofstra University; initiated public relations with WLIW TV; established the Columbus Quincentennial Program and purchased an antique piano made by Antonio Meucci, a beautiful Italian artifact which now resides at the Garibaldi Meucci Museum in Staten Island. On a National level, Joseph Parillo served for many years as a National Delegate, Member of the Supreme Cabinet; Member of the Sons of Italy Foundation, Member of the National Commission for Social Justice and National Treasurer. He also made tremendous contributions as a member of the National Columbus Day Committee and National Fund Raising Committee. A longtime community activist, Joseph Parillo Jr. served as President of the Mt. Carmel Holy Name Society; Commander of the American Legion Post No. 1091; Vice Chairman of the Schenectady County Red Cross Chapter; President of the Rotterdam Kiwanis and Vice Chairman of the Schenectady County Republican Committee; Vice Chairman Capital District Transportation Authority; Former Administrative Assistant to Congressman Daniel E. Button and former Chairman of numerous community drives such as Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, Muscular Dystrophy, Birth Defects and Scouting. He was especially involved with Challenger Learning Center of the Capital Region … a not-for-profit educational program promoting excellence in math and science and serves elementary and middle school students regionally.. Joseph Parillo's many years of service to OSIA and to his community showed his deep commitment to not only his Italian heritage … but to his community at large. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Christine DeMidio Parillo; his sister, Angela Parillo Starsiak (Ernest); and his three loving and devoted children, Rosemarie Kerwin, Dr. Jack (Cindy) Parillo and Joseph (Alicia) Parillo. He was also the devoted grandfather of Daniel Kerwin, and David, Elizabeth, Michael and Kathleen Parillo. Many special nieces and nephews also survive him. The Italian American community lost a true “Son of Italy” on December 14, 2006. God Bless, Past State President Joseph Parillo, Jr.!! .
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