David A. Parisi

June 8, 1982 - May 31, 2007
GRANGER - David Anthony Parisi, 24, passed away Thursday, May 31, 2007, surrounded by his loving family. Born with muscular dystrophy, one could imagine the struggle David may have gone through. Despite this, David never allowed his disability to weigh his future down. With strong determination, which he was known for, David defeated all odds and accomplished what was deemed impossible. Surpassing Penn High School with perfect attendance, he proceeded to Holy Cross College where he made the Dean's List and eventually progressed to his lifelong dream of entering into the University of Notre Dame. If being accepted was not enough of an accomplishment, he stood out in his class and graduated with honors from Notre Dame's very own Mendoza College of Business. Education was just one of David's many accomplishments. If David were to explain his greatest accomplishment, it would be his attendance record at Notre Dame football home games. Regardless of what stood in his way, whether it was snow, rain, or his illness, David had not missed a home game since he was 10 years old. As for those who witnessed David getting physically weaker, they realized that he was growing mentally stronger and ready to overcome any problem sent his way. David was known by many, and a loss so great will never be forgotten. He has touched many lives and was there for all. David has taught all to live life to the fullest and that anything is possible. David was preceded in death by his loving grandparents, Gelormo and Elvira Parisi, and Salvatore Schirripa. He leaves behind his loving parents, Luciano and Rose (Schirripa) Parisi; his brother, Matthew; and his sister, Lisa Waite (Sean); his aunts, Carmela Macri (George) and Maria Bumbaca (Cosimo); and uncles, Gerry, Dominic (Kim) and Anthony (Therese), Joe Schirripa (Darryl) and Dominic (Anita), Frank (Lina) and Roberto Parisi. David will be thoroughly missed by his countless cousins who loved him dearly, and his newly-born nephew, Samuel Cole Waite. The family wishes to thank those who contributed in making David's life, while here on earth, more enjoyable, and those who kept him in their daily prayers. A very special thanks to his favorite aunt, Carmela, and his uncle, Gerry. Without their constant support, love and affection, David's life would not have been as fruitful. In addition, the family would like to thank Dr. Latief, Dr. English and staff for the very special care that was given to David. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 4, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the Notre Dame campus. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today in the HICKEY Funeral Homes, 17131 Cleveland Road, where a Rosary will be said at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made to Corpus Christi Parish, 2822 Corpus Christi Drive, South Bend, IN 46628; and to the Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation, 2330 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208.