Parisse

Louis L. Parisse, 86, a former resident of 95 Beech Drive, Franklin, died peacefully at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Sugarcreek Station, where he lived since Oct. 1, 2008.

Mr. Parisse was born Sept. 27, 1922, in Washington, Pa., a beloved son of the late Salvatore and Josephine (Pugielli) Parisse.

Mr. Parisse was married Nov. 25, 1948, in Washington, Pa., where they lived until 1950, to the former Carmella L. "Lena" Falvo. She preceded him in death Dec. 14, 2007.

Mr. Parisse received his early education in Washington, Pa., and graduated from Washington High School in 1941.

Upon graduation, he served as a technician 3rd grade with the U.S. Army during World War II. He served as a heavy artillery mechanic with the 249th Ordinance Co. Upon his honorable discharge from active duty, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the European American Theater Service Medal and the Victory Medal.

Upon completion of his military service, Mr. Parisse returned to Washington, Pa., and enrolled at Washington & Jefferson College. He graduated from W&J in 1949 with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry, graduating with highest honors.

Mr. Parisse joined Kopper's of Oil City in 1950 as a plant chemist. During his early employment, he had gained 18 years experience in process and product development and quality control. He was promoted to lab supervisor in 1956 and to chief chemist in 1962. He held this position until his promotion to general foreman of the company in 1977.

Mr. Parisse was awarded several U.S. patents on the processing and purification of chemicals related directly to the Oil City plant.

Throughout his entire life, Mr. Parisse was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed bowling, golfing and pitching horseshoes, as he was able. He was a lifelong Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. In his spare time, he was an accomplished woodworker.

His greatest love though was baseball. Although he was never able to aspire to a career in professional baseball as he would have liked, he relished coaching Little League and Junior League baseball in the area.

Mr. Parisse was a member of the St. Patrick Church of Franklin, the Knights of Columbus, the American Chemical Society and had served for many years on the Franklin General Authority. He was among the charter members of the Washington Independent Political Club of Washington, Pa.

Mr. Parisse is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Romano and her husband, Bruce, of Madison, Ohio; and his son, Samuel L. Parisse, of Indiana, Pa. Also surviving are his beloved three grandchildren, Anne-Marie Layhue and her husband, Josh, of Smithfield and Michael L. and Kristina P. Romano, both of Madison, Ohio, who he cherished. He also is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Pilch of North East.

In addition to his wife of 59 years and his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John Parisse.

<B>PARISSE</B> — In accord with his wishes, there will be no public visitation. Family and friends of Louis L. Parisse, who died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, are invited to attend his funeral Mass of Christian burial at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in the St. Patrick Church, Franklin, with Monsignor John J. Herbein, pastor, as celebrant. Interment will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Washington, Pa., with full military honors.Memorial contributions, if desired, may be directed to the St. Patrick Church, 949 Liberty St., Franklin, PA 16323 or to the VNA of Venango County Foundation, 491 Allegheny Blvd., Franklin, PA 16323.Final arrangements are entrusted to the <B>Timothy E. Hartle Funeral Home</B>, Franklin.