Dan "Danny" Parises

1937 - 2013

Dan Parises, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away peacefully Jan. 26, 2013. He lived a full and wonderful life in his nearly 76 years. His parents, Simeon and Angelica, were Greek Immigrants. He was the oldest of three sons. Dan grew up in Lodi, attended Live Oak School, Lodi High School and Stockton College. On September 4, 1960, Dan married Elisa Righetti, the daughter of Italian immigrants, Luigi and Adele. He would fondly call her "Doll". She was not only the love of his life, but his supportive partner in every adventure during their 53 years of marriage. They worked at life together, side by side, from farming to public service to wine-making. They had two children, Angela (Brusa) and Paul. Dan grew up on the farm with his father, Simeon, and became a lifetime farmer of grapes and row crops. He was also an enthusiastic and dedicated public servant, serving as a SJ County Supervisor '70-'74 and as one of the longest serving Trustees on the SJ Delta College Board for over 33 years. One of his proudest moments was the endorsement of Ronald Reagan in 1976 when he ran on the Republican ticket for the 7th Assembly seat. He also achieved the rank of Second Lt. in the National Guard, among many other accomplishments.
Dan is survived by his wife, Elisa; his daughter, Angela and husband, Jim Brusa; his son, Paul and wife, Kristie (Chavez-Ochoa); his grandchildren, Gianna and Giovanni Brusa and Sophia Parises; and his brother, Gus; brothers-in-law Ray Righetti (Nancy), Reno Righetti (Linda); sister-in-law Lina Cutter; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Simeon and Angelica Parises and his youngest brother, Nick.
Dan was most characterized by his love of farming, family, friends and people. He never forgot a face or name, and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He had a great sense of humor with a huge presence that filled the room at get-togethers. He could talk for hours about his conservative political beliefs and his Greek heritage. His children and grandchildren were his greatest source of pride. Whether it was listening, advising or sharing in an accomplishment, spending time with them was at the top of his list. He will be forever missed and loved.
Friends are invited to visit on Saturday, Feb. 2, from Noon until 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Lodi Funeral Home. A Trisagion service will be held on Monday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church. Committal is private.
The family would like to express its appreciation to the loving ICU nurses at Lodi Memorial Hospital for their care and compassion during his final journey. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to UOP Baseball, 3601 Pacific Ave., Stkn., CA 95211; SMHS Student Scholarship Fund for Art, P.O. Box 7247, Stkn., CA 95267 or St. Basil's Greek Orthodox Church, 920 W. March Lane, Stkn., CA 95207. Lodi Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.