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Ara Parseghian
1923 - 2017
Ara Parseghian
1923 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1923
DIED
2017
Ara Parseghian Obituary
Parseghian guided the Fighting Irish to national championships in 1966 and 1973 in his 11 seasons as coach. He amassed a 95-17-4 record as the team’s head coach before retiring after the 1974 season.
Parseghian also was head football coach for a time at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Under his guidance, the Wildcats were ranked No. 1 in 1962.
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Ara Raoul Parseghian was born May 21, 1923, in Akron, Ohio. He enrolled at the University of Akron after playing high school football. Parseghian quit to enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After serving for two years, he attended Miami University in Ohio, then went on to play halfback for the Cleveland Browns professional football team. While with the team, the Browns won the league championship in 1948 and 1949.
A hip injury, however, ended his pro football career.
He took an assistant coaching position at Miami, and eventually became Miami’s head coach, succeeding Woody Hayes. In 1956, the Wildcats hired him away to serve as their head coach for eight seasons. Parseghian reversed Northwestern’s long drought, taking the team to No. 1.
Notre Dame was the next school to come calling. Seeking to halt a five-season string of consecutive losing records, the Fighting Irish signed him in 1964. Notre Dame would never experience a losing record while Parseghian was the head coach.
He coached the Fighting Irish to two championships and racked up 95 wins, 17 losses, and four ties in his 11 seasons in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame fans lovingly referred to his tenure as the Era of Ara.
After retiring from coaching in 1974, Parseghian became a color analyst for college football games that aired on the ABC and CBS television networks.
In 1980, he was inducted into the coaches’ wing of the College Football Hall of Fame.
112 Entries
Robert Nall
October 28, 2017
Our Dad took us to ND games when we young boys in grade school and high school in the 1960's. I will never forget seeing Ara with the team at the weekly pep rallies in the old track & field house. It was standing room only and so loud you could barely hear yourself talk. The players would be packed into the balcony behind Ara who would always deliver an emotional speech. Ara saved Notre Dame's football program and brought back the true Fighting Irish spirit. Ara, thanks for the great memories and all that you did for the University of Notre Dame. Robert Nall, Zionsville, IN.
Brian Loiacono
August 24, 2017
He was my idol in the 1960's. A legendary coach, and an even greater man. May his soul Rest In Peace in heaven for eternity.
Brian Jude Loiacono
John Schumacher
August 19, 2017
I was only five or six years old when Mr. Parseghian was our neighbor in Oxford Ohio when he was the coach of the Miami Redskins! My Dad was the Director of the Student health center then, and the Parseghians were our neibors on the same road. We went to a Notte Dame game in 1964 and what a time we had at Southbend
mitch hersh
August 14, 2017
I live near west palm beach and every year my wife and I would go to marco island for a vacation.I met coach in a restaurant on marco and we were watching a football game at the front of the place. I told him I was more of a pro football fan than a college football fan. we went to separate tables and after dinner ara gave me his telephone number and told me to call him next time i am in town. 30 years later we became great friends along with my wife and his wife. rip my dear friend. prayers to all family and friends
How you can show support
August 11, 2017
So sorry for your loss. May Almighty God grant you peace as you cope with your loss. Jer.29:11
Christian
August 10, 2017
My deepest condolences for your loss. Rest assured life is precious to our Creator. He promises to act in our behalf.
1 Corinthians 15:26
Suzie Kochert
August 10, 2017
I was fortunate enough to get to meet him one time when he signed my book at ND. He was a great man and so humble.
Ara and me, late 60's
Connie Van Nevel
August 9, 2017
To know Ara was to respect, admire, and love him. May Katie and family find comfort in the thoughts and prayers of Ara's many fans around the world. Ara, you will be in my heart forever.
David Stonier
August 9, 2017
Ara, you were a great man and friend to all of us Marco Islanders. My sister Leslie of Naples was a big football fan and she too passed away 7/31. I am glad that both of you are at peace.
August 8, 2017
Having your family as my neighbor, having gone through high school with your daughter
was a great honor. Notre Dame had a superb coach. He and Knute Rockne were the best!
I will always cherish the the wonderful memories from the 60's.
August 8, 2017
Kathleen, I just wanted to let you know that one of the songs that Larry Dwyer, the band director who played piano at the Memorial, played was K-K-K-Katy. He said he picked it for you. You can hear it on the recording.
Charles Pilon
August 8, 2017
The Era of Ara will never end for me. My heart and prayers are with Ara's entire extended family. I loved this man. He has made a tremendous impact on my life as a father, grandfather, coach, teacher, and husband.I first met Ara at Sky Harbor Airport in 1964, along with Captain Jim Carroll, Nick Eddy, John Huarte, and Jack Snow. He was so warm and friendly to me and my young son. My highlight with Coach was on Cartier Field at football practice when Coach Tom Pagna pushed me into the huddle along side Ara and QB Joe Theisman for the entire play calling. Then the team at the end of practice began in a low chant and rose to a roar, ARA, ARA, ARA. Everyone left the field with tears in their eyes. My memories will always be enhanced with my autographed books, picture of Ara alone and with me. I always looked forward to meeting and talking with Cindy and Mike to discuss Ara and the influence he had on my life. My favorite play to call when I coached high school was, Coley O'Brien. Coach gave me so much to carry for the rest of my life. How could one not support the Ara Research Foundation when Ara is part of it. God bless the Parseghian family
Danny Vorenkamp
August 7, 2017
I was the ballboy for the 1973 national championship game against Alabama. He made me stand right next to him the entire game,,,, and he treated me as if I was a ND player,,, very very kind man and a great coach.
J. Daniel Vorenkamp
New Orleans, LA
Christine Siwa Gyurko Turner
August 7, 2017
My condolences to the entire Parseghian family. Although I only met him once when I was a childhood friend of his niece Linda in Toledo, I became an instant fan. Judging by everything that I read over the years, he was loved & respected by those who knew him best. He will long be remembered by football fans everywhere. And "Thanks Coach for beating Alabama in the Sugar Bowl of '73." That was a great win! - From a native Ohioan Notre Dame fan transplanted in Alabama.
Polly Ehlers-Salak
August 7, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with this family . God got a special Angel
Bernie & Sharon Van Etten
August 7, 2017
Ara - You are the greatest - You fought and won your battles. I will never forget our lunch meetings together - go now it's time to receive the greatest reward possible.
Mike Kosinski
August 7, 2017
Ara meant so much to ND fans. I'll never forget what he brought to the game. God bless.
August 7, 2017
I used to watch him Coach the team thought was a very fine coach. My most sincere condolences for your loss.
L W
August 7, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and know that the God of all comfort hears your cries and He will rescue you with comfort and peace during this sad occasion. (Psalms145:18,19). Please call on Him in truth.
Gerry Grigsby
August 7, 2017
My condolences to the Parseghian family.
I am one of the many touched by the example of this special man.
A truly great football coach, but so much more. The heart, soul and essence of the University of Notre Dame.
Thank you and God bless you Ara.
George Marchal
August 7, 2017
More than anything Ara Parseghian was a Good MAN! Sure he provided many people around the world many hours of exciting Notre Dame Football but I think what is more important was that he was a great role model for countless of your people around the U.S.A. He made a great impact on my life and the lives of my whole family. Thanks Ara for caring and sharing! May Your Soul Rest in Peace
Gerry Grigsby
August 7, 2017
Sandy and Mike Major
August 7, 2017
There are few human beings who are known simply by a single name. Ara was one of those human beings. Go anywhere and folks knew. He was known as Ara. Coach certainly touched our lives as he did for so many. We always thought he would live forever. And with his passing we are convinced he will.
Nora Hall Hicks
August 7, 2017
Kris, So sorry for your loss. I moved to South Bend in 1967. A small town girl whose only excitement about the move was to see Notre Dame. When I would tell people that I was moving to South Bend, I added, "That's where Notre Dame is!" Later, I added in my letters that you were in my class. I always remember that we had our daughters 1 day apart. Though I never met your dad, I knew what an exceptional person he was, on and off the field. Life dealt him some harsh times but also provided him a legacy. I laughed when my younger daughter came home from serving at a dinner and said "I served someone named Par Par " She didn't know how to say his name but knew that everyone there knew him! Now he can spend time with his grandchildren.
Craig Kelm
August 7, 2017
RIP Ara! A True Giant! God Bless The Parseghian Family! Go Irish!
Kathleen
August 7, 2017
Heaven has gained a Great Man I pray for your family in this time of sorrow
Linda Sperling
August 6, 2017
Life is having to let go of someone you love, so that they may go on to a better place, where pain and suffering does not exist.
Life is what he gave to all of us, and because of him, we understand how to love.
Heaven has a new angel named Ara Parseghian.
Chuck Perkins
August 6, 2017
Would like to send my condolences to the Parseghian family,you've lost not only an ICON in Football but in life in general,ARA was simply put An Amazing person and his contributions to not only football but to his foundation,I grew up in the 1970's following Coach in his amazing stay at ND,and was lucky to b not only a ND fan but we all were lucky to have had him here at ND,God Bless !And 2 National Championship's,Thank-U Coach,God Bless u and your Family!
Michelle Semak-Bunge
August 6, 2017
Thank you for sharing Ara with us. A legend in Notre Dame History. I wish I could have met him as these days it is rare to find such great men with great strength and dignity.
He has divine coaching powers now! Go Irish!
Jim McCann '75
August 6, 2017
Ara stopped the rain. But he started so much more. An inspirational leader for all of those he touched. He and Bear Bryant can now chit chat about the '73 Sugar Bowl. It was an honor to have met him.
Michael Balch
August 5, 2017
Our prayers go out to your family.
Hope my father Gene Balch is there to greet his dear old friend Ara.
God Bless
william pioli
August 5, 2017
That was one good man AND I am certain he did stop the rain.
Gary Conti
August 5, 2017
Great Coach even greater man.A life of giving from beginning to end.Will always love him .
August 5, 2017
dia Ara Parseghian agus Notre Dame ár Máthair
August 5, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Anne Winter Cubley
August 5, 2017
Saturday afternoons in Minnesota spent listening to Notre Dame. RIP Ara Parseghian. My father admired you as one of the great coaches.
B H
August 4, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family. May God comfort your hearts during this difficult time. Ps 86:17
August 4, 2017
Our condolences to the Parseghain family even though we didn"t know him personally we were Notre Dame fans. We live in Elkhart back in the sixtyies, as a matter a fact my daughter was born in Elkhart. We love him he was a great coach. WE move back to our home state of Texas and we are still fan of the fighting irish.We miss him not seeing him 0n the side line. May the Good Lord give you all Hope and consolation. God Bless Respectfully The Tagle fam. San Antonio Texas
John McCauley
August 4, 2017
We have lost one of the greatest and finest football coaches of all time. I still remember "The Game of the Century" when Coach Parseghian led undefeated Notre Dame to a 24-23 Sugar Bowl win over Bear Bryant and Alabama in 1973 at Tulane Stadium. Ten years ago, prior to the October 13, 2007 Notre Dame vs Boston College game, my wife Becky and I were on campus and I had the opportunity to meet Coach Parseghian and get my Notre Dame's Greatest Coaches book signed. What a great opportunity to meet my favorite college football coach and one of the true greats of the game. His contributions to both Notre Dame and college football will never be forgotten! Coach Parseghian truly inspired the tradion of "Play Like a Champion Today." Prayers and condolences to the Parseghian family.
Robert Sforzo
August 4, 2017
When Ara spoke people listened. He touched so many by his personality and sincerity. Beloved by all. The Friday night pep rallies at the field house were a tour de force brought forth by Ara. Emotional and memorable. God bless you, Ara
Janet Kopacz
August 4, 2017
I graduated Holy Cross school of nursing in the late 60s, not too far from Notre Dame and while attending the pep rally prior to the football games I can still remember the thunderous outcries from blocks away, "ARA ARA ARA" it was beautifully haunting!! Thanks Ara for all the great memories and fantastic games!
Sue Spencer
August 4, 2017
Our deepest condolences to the Parseghian family. We met Ara and his wife at his grandsons wedding. Ara was so gracious to have his picture taken with our mother. We mailed it to him, and he signed it for us. He was such a kind gentleman. With sympathy, JoJo and the Spencer family.
Rita Grontkowski
August 4, 2017
I worked at Notre Dame for 45 years. During that time there were many coaches but none came close to him. I have always told people that Mr. Parseghian was the finest coach ever. He represented Notre Dame very well. I plan to make a small donation to his foundation in his memory. Even though he was in his nineties, I am sure his family will miss him. He was very special.
Ken Bavaro
August 4, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mark DerGarabedian
August 4, 2017
I grew up in Fresno, CA and now live in Seattle, WA and my favorite college and team has always been Notre Dame. Why? Because of Coach Parseghian. Why? As a boy, at the perfect age to fall in love with sports; I did. I'm Armenian, like Coach and my uncle was a high school football coach. His name also, was Ara. So I put them together, my uncle's name is Ara, he's a football coach, we're Armenian - gotta love the Irish and Coach Parseghian! Last year I was able to put a notch in my bucket list and attended a game at Notre Dame. The first place I went was the Parseghian statue in the stadium. What a great experience. The entire experience was tremendous. My deepest condolences to all who were blessed to know this great person. Earth has lost a great man, but heaven is a brighter place with Coach Parseghian there, and he's reunited with his grandchildren. God bless you all.
Joe Lee
August 4, 2017
My father in law is Tom Harp who attended Miami of Ohio and played football with coach in 1951. He also coached against coach Parseghian when he was head coach at Duke Univeristy. In 1964 he took his team to South Bend to play the Irish and his good friend beat him 64-0. Even after that defeat he and coach Parseghian remained close friends . God Bless Coach
Bill and Sandy Gunlock
August 4, 2017
To the Parseghian Family we send our deepest condolences in the loss of Ara. We first met when I was a freshman at Miami and he was a junior. He then became a great coach and a leader of men. At the dedication of his bronze statue at Miami University as one of the "Cradle of Coaches" it was a memorable moment together. God bless. Your friend, Bill Gunlock, Class of '51, And Sandy
CC.
August 4, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the PARSEGHIAN FAMILY in their time of grief. May 'God' give you peace during this most difficult time. -Romans 15:13
R D
August 4, 2017
RIP
Patricia DeStefano
August 4, 2017
Our sincere sympathy to the family of Arab Parseghian. A very talented man I pray you all find comfort in God's promise in John 6:40 which says that soon we will all see our loved ones again. My deepest and sincere condolences to your families and friends.
R. Foley
August 4, 2017
My deepest sympathy goes out to Coach Parsegian's family. A wonderful man who left his mark not only on thousands of young men but also on the game he coached them to play. A Notre Dame Man! Rest In Peace Coach.
Rev. Edward Niam, DD
August 4, 2017
My deepest condolences to Katie, Kristan, Michael and the entire Parseghian family. We have all lost a great coach, leader and an incredible human being. My dad, Eddy Niam, considered Ara to be his best friend. They played football together at South HS in Akron and my dad recruited for Ara throughout his entire coaching career. My fondest memories are of attending Notre Dame football games with my dad, being on the sidelines and going to Ara's house for a celebration after each home game. Whenever I think of my dad, I think of Ara and my dad is in my thoughts daily. Ara's greatness extends far beyond the football field. He was truly something special and will be sorely missed by all those who knew him and by millions of sports and Notre Dame fans the world over.
Rev. Edward Niam, DD
Spiritual Services Ministry
spiritualservicesministry.com
Marcia Sharp
August 4, 2017
Like many others, I am saddened to hear of Coach Parseghian's passing. He was such a wonderful man. Whenever I saw him, although, of course, he didn't know me, he always took the time to say hello. Many years ago my late husband, who was an avid quilter, made me a quilt in Notre Dame colors. When my husband asked Coach Parseghian to sign a square on my quilt, he graciously obliged.
Thanks for the memories, Coach. RIP.
Don Boland
August 3, 2017
my first time I ever saw Ara on tv I was probably 4 years old and my dad coached pop warner football like ara who believed in never give up while you are in heaven tell my dad I say hello and miss him everyday
Richard McHugh
August 3, 2017
Glad to have met him at various affairs. Watching him on TV as a coach ,color man and commentator was a thrill. He never disappointed. An all time great. His causes will be carried on by his fans world wide.Prayers sent to his wife and family.
Tom Nash
August 3, 2017
My brother graduated from ND in '69, the wheelhouse of the Era of Ara. I graduated in '82. While I was at ND, one football season featured the images of great ND coaches on the programs as well as posters of those covers. When I got Ara's, I decided I had to get one of those signed for my brother. I somehow found out Ara had an office in the big bank building in town and called his office. His admin said to bring one by and Ara would sign it, and he sure did just that. My only regret is I did not get a chance to meet him as I had to leave it behind and pick it up later. Like many of the ND family, however, I feel as if I knew Ara Parseghian. May the road rise to meet you ...
August 3, 2017
Living a life well lived, we will cherish the memories forever. Rest in peace,Ara
Ross Browner
August 3, 2017
I and my family are very proud to have known Coach Ara Parseghian . He was a great man and Monitor to us all. I love this man for his wisdom and knowledge of being a good man and human being is worth something of yourself and family!! I was very honored to have play for Coach and his Hall Of Fame standards. God has sent Angel to us to admirer for life!! God Bless him forever!!
Ross Browner 1973 Defensive End #89 ( National Champs)
August 3, 2017
my condolences go out to the parseghian family at this time. May god blessed them. Coach you will be missed.
Pete Johnson
August 3, 2017
Even though it was only one year of football with Ara for me, it was a lifetime worth of lessons about being a decent human being. Thanks for showing the world what real leadership is all about. God bless the Parseghian family! Go Irish!
Tom Lopienski
August 3, 2017
It is with a heavy heart that I am lighting this candle for Coach Parseghian, as well as, Coach Shoults, Coach Pagna, Coach Kelly, Coach Yonto, Coach Moore, Coach Hickey. It was a privilege and honor to play for you.
Tom Lopienski
Fighting Irish Defensive Back
1972-1976
C E
August 3, 2017
My condolences to the family due to your loss . Isaiah 61:1&2
Cynthia Byrnes
August 3, 2017
My dad followed Ara in sports all of his life and loved and respected him dearly. We got to meet him when he visited his sister Janice at their home at Indian Lake Ohio. At that time he was just beginning his medical researching. He talked life with my father. I am very saddened to hear of his death, please accept my extreme condolences to his family and friends at this time of grief.
Marie Golias
August 3, 2017
Rest in Peace Coach Parseghian! Heaven welcomed you home with open arms.
J. L.
August 3, 2017
So sorry for your loss. May the encouraging words of Hosea 13: 14 be a source of comfort and peace for the family.
Richard Allocco
August 3, 2017
To Mrs. Parseghian and family,
Coach is the true essence of ND; one we respect, emulate and will never forget. His presence, natural charisma and acts of generosity and kindness sets the highest bar for all of us, And then there is football and his unparalleled legacy. It was an honor to witness his leadership, spirit, attention to detail and commitment to all in his program.
Our prayers are with you today and always.
Ronald Allsop
August 3, 2017
Thank you ARA for the memory.
Delores Sharpe
August 3, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Always loved Ara. He was a great man and coach. Notre Dame fans loved him. He was a great man trying to find cures for certain illness. May God heal your hearts at this time. God bless!
Terry Hutton
August 3, 2017
Condolences to his family. I never met this "magical" man. The closest I got was sitting at the next table at dinner one night. When I realized who was next to me I could barely hold my fork. Like so many others I have always been in awe of Ara. Yet he remained unpretentious. What a coach. What a man. Thanks Ara for bringing ND football back. RIP.
Drew Bickel
August 3, 2017
From the family of Jack Bickel roommate, teammate, and friend Rest In Peace.
Jennie Grove Eckel
August 3, 2017
Dear Mike and Parseghian family, I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your dad. When I think of him, I think of his charisma and larger-than- life presence at First Presbyterian Church. Holding you all in my thoughts today.
Mary Short Dennis
August 3, 2017
I was just a small town kid when I came to SMC/ND from Iowa. Somehow I became a cheerleader in 1973, and I was given the opportunity to listen to Ara and began to understand how powerfully he influenced and cared for his team both on and off the field. He never really knew me, and yet he became an essential part of my education. I was enlarged because of him, and the scope of what I thought was possible in life changed tremendously. I can only imagine how he impacted those he loved. My prayers are with you as you learn to move on through life without his presence.
Fondly,
Mary Short Dennis (1974)
Robert Wojtysiak
August 3, 2017
I was 11 when I first knew the name of Ara Parseghian, This actions on and off the field were an inspiration to me. I'm not alone, the joy he brought to our family on Saturday afternoons was priceless. It didn't stop in 1975. A man among men, no issue was too large to tackle. Respected as a national leader and a voice for where other would not speak. We were truly blessed to have Ara in our lives and his legacy will live on long after his service. We had him for 94 years and I know that he is at the right hand of our savior today. I pray for the family to have comfort but yet rejoice this remarkable mans calibration of life. God Bless ! Sincerely, Robert P Wojtysiak
Thea
August 3, 2017
I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. And also may your family find comfort love and strength and with the loving support of family and friends at this time.
Michael Ryan
August 3, 2017
As a child of the sixties in a family that loved everything about Notre Dame , Ara and his players were not only to be emulated on the field but off as well. His team's conducted themselves like he did with humility, courage and a respect for the great institution they were affiliated with. Thank you Ara the country sorely misses your example you set as a coach, but more importantly a man.
Colleen Carroll
August 2, 2017
Growing up Irish Catholic, there was only one college team out there. It was the "Fighting Irish". Are was in a league of his own.
as they say "GO IRISH". RIP Coach. Many Blessings to your family.
Ara was the BEST.
Jennifer Rainey
August 2, 2017
I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Ara Parseghian. May he rest in peace and his family be strong. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
My Uncle, Moe, was a huge, life long, Notre Dame fan.
He now has a friend in Heaven.
irish Fan
August 2, 2017
Saw his team play Bama in the Orange Bowl. My now deceased brother-in-law had tickets and brought his family to Florida to visit us... (This brother-in-law had a maize-gold colored hose with blue shutters, in Nashville.) We were in the upper deck.
The start of the game saw a herd of red clad frenzied folks...and the end saw these folks very quiet, and moseying down the stairs, and silently walking through the parking lot.
The Leprechaun looked like an Angel. The Irish had won 13-ll. Thanks, Ara, for the memories.
May The Almighty rest his soul.
Mancil Robinson
August 2, 2017
Ara in my opinion was the greatest college football coach of all time. Started watching ND replays on Sunday mornings in mid 60's. Ara's teams played some of the greatest college football ever played. Bet he's calling plays with the Rock, Gip and the four horsemen tonight. Thanks for the many great memories.
Condolences to his family.
Jeff Oliver
August 2, 2017
So sorry to hear this. My father Ken and Ara were roommates at Miami.
Tammy Porter Williams
August 2, 2017
I am adding this light for my dad, Dean Porter, who played for Ara at Miami in the mid 50's. Dad always held Ara in high regard and told great stories of their time there. We are praying for your family.
Rick and Tammy Porter Williams
Karen Horn
August 2, 2017
remembered his career.. But more so his fight for his grandchildrena lives and how he helped bring to the forefront a little known or understood desease. Neiman.Pick Type A.desease. an incurable, horrible childhood desease that still has know known cure, and Robbed Mr.Parseghian his beautiful grandchildren.. How he spearheaded the fundraisers and used his notoriety to help raise money. His loss and now our loss for a great sportsfigure and a true humanitarian. R.I.P.
August 2, 2017
Kris - your father now walks beside you always.
Bonnie Nooe Neal - former high school neighbor
Phil Johnson
August 2, 2017
You were a Great Coach and a First Class Person! Notre Dame lost one of their great Legends/Icons! God Bless you and Rest in Peace!!
August 2, 2017
I still remember meeting him when I was at my cousins wedding. She married Frank Crinitti former RB at ND. I remember it was like yesterday and that's been about 50 years ago. What a great person. He will be missed. RIP Coach. Rest easy.
Jim Coffey
August 2, 2017
A great coach but even more, a great humanitarian.
August 2, 2017
Simply one of the greatest College coaches in the history of the game. And his emotional victory in the '75 Orange Bowl, which would be his last at ND, was one of the great moments in sports history. A great win for a great man!
Ara's TV analysis work was also brilliant. He was a football sage, and he was able to communicate his knowledge and instincts via an excellent delivery and perfect timing. Viewing and hearing numerous accounts, it is evident that Ara was truly a wonderful human being who touched many lives.
Rest In Peace, Coach, and thank you for all of the memories, guidance, presence, and other legendary contributions.
Harry Simpson
August 2, 2017
Godspeed Ara, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Fair winds and following seas sailor.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
August 2, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Friend USA
August 2, 2017
Good job--Memorable.
Joan McCarthy RN
August 2, 2017
My uncle Joe ( Brother Gerontius McCarthy) always spoke very highly of Ara and his coaching skills while at Notre Dame. My condolences to the Parseghian family.
joseph mcgrath
August 2, 2017
thank u coach. I shook hands with you in Chicago and thanked you. for coming to notre dame. you were being interviewed by mike north at soldier field. as northwestern was playing notre dame. I waited for you to descend from the platform, and met u at the steps. with tears in my eyes. it brought back memories of listening to notre dame on the radio with my dad, who was a fierce irish fan. thank u, GOD bless. GOD has you and leheay, and Rockne now. thank u , thank u!!!great job navigating a 3rd string quarterback, a second string running back, and many other replacements due to injury to a 10-10 tie against a loaded and healthy Michigan st. in 1966. you were criticized, it was a brilliant piece of coaching. R.I.P.
Richard Burke
August 2, 2017
May you rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon you.
john bialecki
August 2, 2017
The Era of Ara is now officially over. A class act and embodied everything good about Notre Dame.
Mark Magleby
August 2, 2017
I became a lover and participant of football during the Era of Ara. I didn't know many of the players, but Coach Parseghian's presence on the sideline I will never forget. His chemistry with his players and ability to motivate was palpable, even through the TV. God bless him.
My sincere condolences to his family. Peace, peace be still.
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Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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