Obituary: Richard Alan Parisi - Class of 1967

MADISON - Richard Alan Parisi, age 66, of Madison, Wis., passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. He was the son of Orlando and Mary (Masino) Parisi.

 Rich was born in Madison on Jan. 5, 1949. He was a graduate of Madison Central High School, class of '67, and went on to get a degree in history from the University of Wisconsin. His green thumb led him to work for Felly's Flowers in the greenhouse alongside our good friend, Stan Skolaski. He then obtained his Horticultural License and worked for the First Wisconsin Bank and all their branches taking care of plants indoors and out. Later in life he took a job as warehouse manager for Hill Electric. It was soon after that his health began to fail.

 Rich was a proud member of the Italian Workman's Club. His interests were varied. He liked working with plants in creating landscapes and gardens. He enjoyed taking trips with his longtime friend, Beth. He also wasn't shy about taking in a casino once in a while. On the last Sunday of each month he would meet for coffee with cousins, Jim, Ron, Carlo and his brother, Bob, if only to stay in touch with family.

He is survived by his brother, Bob, and many other cousins. He was preceded in death by both parents. Upon Rich's request, there will be no funeral service, but, a day to celebrate his life will be posted at a later date and time.

A special thanks goes out to all the nurses and doctors in the ICU, at the UW Hospital, for their attentive care and uplifting manner. I also want to thank our cousin, Gina Masino, for being there during this emotional ordeal.  

Originally published in The Wisconsin State Journal on October 17, 2015. Submitted by Sidney Iwanter (Class of 1967).