Richard D. Parillo

NORTH SMITHFIELD - Parrillo, Richard D. 61, (Retired Det. Sgt. RI State Police) passed away unexpectedly from an aneurysm on October 6, 2016 with his loving family by his side. Rick was the husband of Sandra (Glaser) Parrillo. Born in Providence he was the son of Mildred (McManus) Parrillo and the late Dr. John Parrillo.
Rick graduated from Providence College in 1977 with a degree in Political Science and received a BS in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams College in 1980. A life long Friar Basketball fan and season ticket holder he ardently supported his Friars. He was also an avid New England Patriots fan, who never believed the balls were deflated. A student of politics both local and national, Rick would debate the merits of an issue or politician until he won you over to his side. He was quick to share his opinion and you always knew where you stood with Rick.
He was a member of the Rhode Island State Police for 25 years and honorably served in both the uniform and detective division. He retired as Commander of the Violent Fugitive Task Force, a coordinated effort between the RISP and US Federal Marshalls. He was in charge of the Narcotics unit of the RISP and additionally spent time in the Northern Area Detective Division and was the Detective assigned to investigate crimes at the Adult Correction Institution. In the uniform division he was Assistant Patrol Commander at both the Portsmouth and Chepachet barracks and an original member of the RISP Truck Squad.
Rick was a dogged investigator and would not rest until the crime was solved. He earned his reputation as a savvy street cop and enjoyed the respect of all law enforcement. During his career he received over twenty departmental commendations and three Special Commendations from the Governor of the State of Rhode Island for his investigations on high profile cases.
Married to Sandy for 32 years, he was her rock. They were a team who supported each other and shared in each others accomplishments. Together they attended many business, civic, social and charitable functions where Sandy would do her CEO thing and Rick would be holding court telling stories and making everyone laugh. The greatest joys in Rick's life were his children, Marissa and RJ. He was at every school event and sports event cheering his kids on and encouraging them to be their best.
Rick was a Board member of the Forest Ridge Owners Association in Lincoln, NH and a member of the Sayles Hill Rod and Gun Club. He loved to ski and hike the White Mountains of NH where he and his family spent winters skiing the slopes of Cannon Mt. Rick's had a passion for gardening and was free to share his abundant crop with others. He is legendary for his zucchini bread which many say is the best they ever tasted.
Besides his wife, Rick is survived by his loving children, Marissa E. Parrillo and Richard J. "RJ" Parrillo, his siblings John J. Parrillo and his wife Sandra, Dr. Stephen J. Parrillo and his wife Ada, Mary E. Parrillo, Dr. Geoffrey M. Parrillo, and Leslie A. Parrillo as well as many nieces and nephews and countless friends.
His funeral will be held on Monday October 10, 2016 at 8:30 A.M. from the A.A. Mariani and Son Funeral Home 200 Hawkins St Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. in Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, 1409 Park Ave, Woonsocket. Burial will be in St. John Evangelist Cemetery, Slatersville. Calling hours will be Sunday 4 – 8 PM
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Tomorrow Fund, 593 Eddy St. Providence, RI 02903
For further information please visit, www.Marianiandson.com