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Babe Parilli
1930 - 2017
Babe Parilli
1930 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1930
DIED
2017
Babe Parilli Obituary
Parilli played professional football for 15 years, splitting time among five teams in both the NFL and AFL. He served as Joe Namath’s backup when the New York Jets won the Super Bowl in 1969. He also set a franchise record for most touchdown passes in a season for the Patriots with 31 in 1964. That record stood until Tom Brady broke it in 2007 with 50.
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Born May 7, 1930, in Rochester, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, he played college football for University of Kentucky under the legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. He was an All-American in 1950 and 1951.
He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1952 and spent the 1950s playing for the Packers, Cleveland Browns, and Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League. In 1960, he was signed by the Oakland Raiders of the newly formed American Football League. He was then traded to the Boston Patriots in 1961.
During his tenure with the Patriots, he became one of the AFL’s top quarterbacks. He was selected to the All-Star team three times and was named the AFL comeback player of the year in 1966. He then signed with the New York Jets where he finished his career, retiring in 1970.
Following his playing career, Parilli coached in the World Football League and Arena Football League in a coaching career that lasted from 1973 to 1997.
He was named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982.
49 Entries
Errol Rowland
January 24, 2023
Babe you always brought a smile to all of us golfers here at Heather Ridge. We were all so proud that you chose our country club to spend your last golfing days. I have special memories being with you, especially when you called me your MVP when we were teamed up. This world is a better place because of you. "Kentucky Babe", RIP.
Kent Pederson
October 31, 2021
Babe was the classiest, most humble coach I ever had (Stars). I had the chance to see him a few times in Scottsdale before his passing. A true gentleman. Rest in Peace.
Sis johns
February 18, 2021
Although this is many years after Babe's passing I wanted to add my sentiments. I'm still saddened at the lose of this talented, kind gentleman. Thanks Babe it was a joy knowing you.
January 31, 2018
I am truly sorry for your loss. Babe was such an icon. My family had the chance to meet Babe and his young family when in the summer between my 8th and 9th grade our family relocated from Long Island to West Acton. MA. Babe was with the Jets then, and we crossed paths as they were moving out. It was a real highlight meeting Babe and his family, even for that brief time. I followed his career after that. . Bless and protect his family.
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Cheri Moidell
November 30, 2017
You were a standup Man and i am glad i knew you.Rest in Peace
Robert Fraser
November 13, 2017
"Sweet Kentuky Babe", I dont think another quarterback tutored more successful quarterbacks than Vito Parilli. At Green Bay, he tutored Bart Starr so well that when returning from Military duty, Bart was #1 and of course Babe moved on to Canada, not unlike Doug Flutie whom I believe the NFL missed out with Doug also.
Humble is how I knew him to be and I know he loved his son Vance.
Please look in his cell phone for Bob Fraser and call me for an update on your dad's real presence in my life.
I know that he is soaring with eagles and may he rest in Peace.
Robert G. Fraser of Scanhouse, (617) 922-5800
November 6, 2017
My condolences for your loss. May the God of comfort continue to be with all of you.
James Ralph Eckley
September 9, 2017
Dear Parilli Family, I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and Air Force veteran Vito Babe Parilli. It was a great honor and joyful time that we spent together in North Africa in 1954-1955. to me Babe Parilli was the greatest QB to ever play the game of football.No one could throw a football as fine as he could. Since I was on the receiving end of a few hundred of them, I should know! God bless you Babe and God bless the entire Parilli family. I am so glad I was able to talk to him about our old times while he was still at Lincoln Center. Since I have just finished a long period of hospital time I just got the news today J.R.E.
August 4, 2017
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of mourning.
Fred Vertucci
July 23, 2017
Fred Vertucci
July 23, 2017
Al
July 22, 2017
To the family of Mr Parilli, please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers. May the Almighty continue to provide true comfort during this most challenging time. Babe was truly an amazing football player. He will be truly missed. Psalms 37:9-11
Anne, New York
July 21, 2017
Babe left a lot of memories! It's wonderful to know that the best memory to be in is God's. Hebrews 6:10
Betty
July 20, 2017
Offering condolences for the loss of your loved one. May your fondest memories, loving support of family and friends, and the wonderful provision God made by means of His loving kindness (John 3:16) help to strengthen and console your hearts during difficult times.
Bill Collins
July 20, 2017
RIP "Babe!" It took 43 years before your franchise record was broken. You were one of the great QBs of your era!
July 19, 2017
He coached the Anaheim Piranas in the old Arena Football League...He was a gentleman and a great story teller
July 19, 2017
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Paul Courtney
July 19, 2017
Babe was my first hero, when he played at UK, after his senior season he and his team mates made a barnstorming tour of the state of KY, I was in the six grade, at Mt. Sterling, KY, when they came to my small home town. It was one of a you boy greatest memories, always followed his career with great interest. My heart felt sympathy to his famil and friends, RIP Babe you were my favorite.
Pauline Holovak
July 18, 2017
To Babe's son,
I only met Babe once and that was with my husband Mike Holovak. Mike was Babe's coach with the Boston Patriots. The years Mike and Babe were together were very special to Mike. Mike spoke of Babe with such pride and fondness.
May God's blessings be with you at this sad time.
Pauline Holovak
Carlotta
July 18, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Parilli family and friends at this difficult time.
July 18, 2017
Godspeed Babe-- Thanks for sharing your life stories with us at the Lincoln Center! I have your autographed book for memories.
Eric And Barbara Lengefeld --Aurora Colorado.
Kreg Kapitan
July 18, 2017
To the Parilli family,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your Father, friend and role model! Babe was a great man, leader and a great coach. I had the opportunity to be with him in New York in the World Football League(Stars) with many of his friends from the Jets!! He was always positive and upbeat! He will be missed by all!! He made the world a better place with his humor and smile! From all his former teammates from Minnesota((7), may his grace comfort you, knowing that he is there by his side, probably organizing a team up there!!God Bless
Blizard W.
July 18, 2017
May a warmth smile come to the Parilli family remembering Babe's accomplishments in this time. Remembering that through our Almighty Heavenly Father of tender mercies gives us Love! "It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1Co. 13:7) May this love of family, friends and above all or Almighty God hold you through these sorrowful days.
Priest Family
July 18, 2017
Our condolences to the Parilli family and friends.
July 18, 2017
Vito, Babe, you were a great teammate , and a great person, I always admired you. God Bless, John Huarte
July 17, 2017
Mr. Parilli is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame, was an American Football League star, and he played in the three major professional leagues of his era. An AFL original, he played in that league during its entire existence. A University of Kentucky and Boston Patriots' legend, he was a hero to Bart Starr, Joe Namath, and many others.
Rest In Peace.
July 17, 2017
God bless you, Babe. I have nothing but good memories of your tenure with the Pats. Thanks for everything. T.C.
Bobby Wilcox
July 17, 2017
Whoa! Just thinking about the Babe the other day. To this day, he is still my all time favorite Green Bay quarterback!! Gifted, popular, and more than a credit to any team he played for. Man, time goes a little too fast sometimes. A real credit to football itself. Prayers go out to all of his family. HE WILL BE MISSED.
Betty Armour-Fowler
July 17, 2017
So sorry to read about the loss of your loved one. Psalms 90:10 shows how God is going to do away with death, pain and suffering forever. Keep your loved one memories close in your hearts and minds and cherish them forever. May the comfort of God be with you all during this time of grief.
July 17, 2017
Patriot's Nation will always remember. RIP Babe.
CC.
July 17, 2017
To the PARILLI FAMILY in their time of grief, may 'God' give you peace during this most difficult time. -Romans 15:13
R D
July 17, 2017
Rest in Peace Babe Parilli. You will be miss. John 5:28
July 17, 2017
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
July 17, 2017
My condolences to the Parilli family on your loss. May God bless you all during this very sad time.
Harry Simpson
July 16, 2017
Godspeed Babe, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
JACK Gallagher
July 16, 2017
My sincerest condolences to the Parilli family. Babe will be remembered for all times as one of the greatest quarterbacks of the American Football League.
Aloha,
JACK GALLAGHER
July 16, 2017
We all send our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Mr Parilli at this time of sorrow. Keep the good times and fond memories close in your hearts and minds, it will bring a smile to your face every now and then. God love you.
Vincent Williams
July 16, 2017
Babe, enjoyed watching you with the Pats. A class gentleman. Thank you. RIP.
faith/rory tobin/dockett
July 16, 2017
Dear Parilli Family Rory and I wish to extend our condolences's on the loss of Vito Parilli.heard the news as of 7/15.luv,faith/rory
Adrian Barnette
July 16, 2017
We'll miss you !
July 16, 2017
Truly saddened to hear about Babe Parilli. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! (Luke23:43)
Lynn
July 16, 2017
Dear family please accept my sincere condolences. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time.
Howard Kosrofian
July 16, 2017
Babe helped build what has become one of the greatest football teams in the history of the game. HE was an early building block that has led to greatness, RIP # 15........
July 16, 2017
We're so sorry to learn of the loss of your dear loved one. Our heartfelt prayers are with the family in your grief. May your love for him along with the good times that you shared have special place in your hearts. PS.147:3-He heals the brokenhearted; He binds up there wounds.
Jerry Campbell
July 16, 2017
Thanks for Lots of good memories of good 'ol Rochy High during the '46-'48 seasons - both in football (one undefeated season) and baseball. - you guys didn't lose many. Say hello to Ossie. May you rest in peace.
J H
July 15, 2017
My Condolences to the Parilli family and to the fans who feel like family. May you find comfort in the memories that you possess, knowing that he will leave a legacy. I hope that you find comfort in knowing that you will be in the thoughts of God Almighty (Jeremiah 29:11).
Tom Romano
July 15, 2017
Babe Parilli to Gino Cappelletti, TD !
R.I.P. Babe.
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