Obituary of Harold A. Parisi, Jr.

Harold A. ‘Ted’ Parisi, Jr., age 81, of Trumbull passed away peacefully on Monday, October 14, 2024. Born in Bridgeport on November 13, 1942, he was the son of the late Harold A. Sr. and Dorothy M. (Mainiero) Parisi. Teddy lived a life full of happiness, laughter, and devotion to everyone who knew and loved him. He was a graduate of Harding High School in 1960.  Here, he was an athlete and excelled in both baseball and track.  After graduating, he honorably served in the U.S. Army of the military, not once, but twice as luck would have it. In 1968, Ted graduated from Western Connecticut State University with his certification in Elementary Education.  He went on to complete his Masters degree in Special Education from Connecticut State College, and received his 6th year degree in Guidance from the University of Bridgeport. In his early years as a teacher, he organized and facilitated youth programs in all levels.  He became a Harding High School Football coach and officiated both basketball and softball for over 20 years.  He dedicated 38 years as a teacher and guidance counselor in the Bridgeport Public School system.  Ted endured as an athlete and coach throughout his life.   Since 2006, he competed both statewide then nationally in the Senior Games where he ran and won honorary titles and medals in the 50 and 100 meter events in his age category.  In 2018, he competed in the Nationals in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and placed 9^th in the nation in the 100 meter dash.  Ted was a player and manager of numerous softball leagues where he travelled to compete all over the United States.  He was not only honored to have been nominated into the Bridgeport Hall of Fame but also was instrumental as an organizer of such events when he took the role of Treasurer of the hall of Fame Committee. Teddy will always be remembered as the biggest fan of the Cleveland Indians and his all-time favorite singer, Tom Jones.  Ted’s remarkable sense of humor, selflessness to his children and grandchildren, and his ability get the party started by being the first dancer on the floor will be some of many lasting memories.  His love for his children, grandchildren and friends will endure forever.

Survivors include his loving children, Dena M. Parisi of Bridgeport, Dean A. Parisi of Oxford, Melissa L. Parisi and her husband Jeff Bette of Middlebury and Teddy John ‘TJ’ Parisi of Trumbull, his cherished grandchildren, Julian, Jai, Jolan, Jana, Ava, and Mack, as well as his devoted sister, Carolyn and her husband Ken Verrilli of Trumbull.

Friends and relatives may greet the family on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. Words of remembrance will be shared at 6:30 p.m. and the rendering of military honors will conclude the evening. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ted’s memory may be made to American Lighthouse Foundation P.O. Box 565 Rockland, ME 04041 lighthousefoundation.org.  (207) 594-4174 or donate by Pay Pal.  Thank you!

For online condolences, please visit us at www.abriola.com.