Ralph Parillo

Ralph Parillo, 97, of Florida Avenue, passed away Monday, March 7, 2016 at St. Mary's Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born in Amsterdam on December 28, 1918, the son of Paul and Concetta (DiCaprio) Parillo. Ralph was a lifelong resident of the area and attended local schools. In addition to helping with his family's farm, Ralph worked several jobs before entering the US Army in 1941. He served under General George Patton as a member of Btry C 721 FA Bn., during World War II and took part in several European campaigns including the Battle of the Buldge. He received numerous awards and citations for his service. He was honorably discharged November 17, 1945. After leaving the army, Ralph worked as a druggist in many local pharmacies. In 1975 he left Schell's Pharmacy to join his sons, Paul and Ralph, co-owners of Parillo's Armory Grill. He was instrumental in introducing Italian food to the longtime neighborhood barroom, and it soon became known as one of the best restaurants in town. He was especially well known for his original soups. Ralph also had a love of carpentry and woodworking. Remodeling his home and those of his children was a labor of love. Ralph was was a quiet and unassuming man, who devoted his life to his family and cherished the time spent with them. He was especially proud of all of their accomplishments together. Ralph was a communicant of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. He was a co-founder of the local Sons of Italy, a member of the Mr. Carmel St. Anthony and Holy Name Society and a member of the Mt. Carmel Senior Citizens. He met the love of his life Rita Bellardini in 1945. They were married in April of 1947, and spent 68 beautiful years together. He is survived by his beloved wife; seven children, Paul (Mary Jane), Ralph (Jackie), Robert, Joseph (Jackie), Michael (Linda), Maria (John) Rossi and Lisa Altieri; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Tony Parillo; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers, Frank, Carl, Angelo, John, Joseph; and sisters, Nancy, Mary, Josie, Theresa and Caroline. The family would like to take this time to thank the wonderful staff of both the C-Wing at River Ridge Living Center and Marie Hall at St. Mary's Health Care, for the professional and loving care given to Ralph in his time of need. Funeral services will be held at The De Stefano Funeral Home on Friday, March 11, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at 11:15 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the De Stefano Funeral Home on Rt. 5S in Amsterdam, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 39 St. John St., Amsterdam, NY 12010, and the Amsterdam Free Library, 28 Church St., Amsterdam, NY 12010.FUNERAL HOME
Amsterdam1414 State Highway 5S
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