Joseph Parilla Jr

YOUNGSTOWN - A very unique an special man died on Friday, April 21, 2017. "He was doing what he has always loved - being out with nature - the birds, the flowers, the trees, cutting the grass, feeding our feral cat, and taking care of our home."

Joseph Peter Parilla Jr. was born in Girard on March 7, 1943, to Joseph and Rosemarie Parilla Sr., who are deceased.

He also had a baby brother, James, who died three days after birth.

He graduated in 1961 from Girard High School, attended YSU and then went into the Air Force for six years in the Air Police. When he was in Goose Bay, Labrador, he guarded the jet planes who brought back our departed military men and women from Vietnam. It was a very sad and moving experience for him. Joe then worked for the Kroger Company for many years and when they left the area, he worked for the Ohio Department of Liquor Control until 1995 when it went private.

Besides his parents, baby brother, Aunt Mary and Uncle Phil Parillo, whom he considered parent set number two, most of his family are deceased.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Doreen E. Parilla, whom he was married to for 48 years. He also leaves cousins in Treglia (Caserta) Italy, Vincenza Parillo, Saverio Carusone, Rosanna Parillo, and Pierluigi Carusone.

Joe will be buried at Green Haven Memorial Gardens with his parents and special aunt and uncle.

There will be private funeral services on Tuesday, April 25, at 1 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, for his family and friends who loved him.

"May he rest in peace. He will be missed by many people, especially Doreen."

Professional arrangements are being handled by the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel.

Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences.