Joseph J. Parise

Mayor Joseph J. Parise, 87, of Niles, passed away on September 3, 2017 at Community Skilled Nursing Centre in Warren

He was born January 12, 1930 in Niles, the son of Anthony and Angeline (Carano)  Parise.  He was a lifelong resident.

Joseph graduated from Niles McKinley High School in 1947 and attended Youngstown College. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict.

He was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish, where he was involved with many aspects of the church such as working the festivals and
serving on the Diocese Catholic Charity Board.

He was Personnel/Safety Supervisor for National Gypsum for 18 years, and Personnel/Safety Director for Wean United for 22 years. Joseph served as Mayor of Niles from 1988 -1992.  

Joseph possessed a strong work ethic which began working as boy and teenager in various jobs such as paper route, setting pins in the bowling alley, worked with Muccio's vendor truck, worked on the Pennsylvania railroad and this continued throughout his life's work and community service. 

As Personnel/Safety Supervisor for National Gypsum, he was proud of the fact that during this period of employment the employees achieved and received the company's Melvin H. Baker National Award for having worked 1 million man hours over a 7 year period without a loss time accident.

Joseph truly appreciated the honor and opportunity to serve the citizens of Niles in the capacity as Mayor with he theme being Niles Heart of Ohio. Throughout his life whenever he had the opportunity he loved to talk about Niles.

His love of Niles extended to serving in the community included many organizations and capacities.  He was an Active Charter board member of the Niles Churches for Housing Central Park Apartments. He was a member and Trustee of the Niles American Legion William McKinley Post 106 and received honor of 50 years of service.

He served in the capacity of Board Member and President of many organization such as Trumbull County Soil and Water Conservation District, Niles Community Improvement Corporation, Niles Beautification Committee, Niles Chamber of Commerce, Niles Red Cross, and John F. Kennedy High School parents association.

Throughout he career his involvement in organization included Mahoning Valley Economic Development Corp., Economic Development Board, AMP of Ohio, Kent State Continuing Studies Program, Choffin School of Machine Shop, Trumbull County Emergency Management, Trumbull County Safety Committee, Job Service Employment Committee, Mahoning Valley Landlord's Association, Niles Knights of Columbus Council 1681, Trumbull County Personnel Association, Trumbull County Industrial/Safety Commission, and Member Sigma Delta Beta Social Fraternity Youngstown College

Joseph enjoyed golfing, fishing, Cleveland Indians, going to high school football games, and was an Ohio State fan. 

He is proceeded in death by wife Josephine Rose (Grohovsky) Parise, who he married July 24, 1954, died June 19, 2007 

He is survived by a daughter Jo Marie Parise, with whom he made his home, three sons, Joseph (Lisa) Parise, J. Kenneth (Jodie) Parise, Jerry (Kathy) Parise and six grandchildren, Keelia, Dominick, Jaden, Gianni, Sarah, and Katie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters Mary Parise, Fanny Altiero and 3 brothers James Parise, Stephen Parise and Mike Parise

Friends may call on Saturday, September 9, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday September 9, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Niles preceded by a 9:30,a.m. prayer service at the funeral home. 

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