Obituary of Joseph L. Parry

Joseph L. Parry, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 19, 2022, at the Abraham House of Rome.

Joe was born in Rome on January 5, 1935 to the late Frank and Mary Console Parry. He graduated from Rome Free Academy and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Utica College of Syracuse University. He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War. On June 9, 1956, he was united in marriage to the former Dolores “Dee” Paniccia. Joe spent most of his career as an electrical engineer at The Rome Laboratory (formerly The Rome Air Development Center - RADC). Upon his retirement from RADC, he continued his career as a consultant for BAE Systems.

Joe was an avid runner and completed several Boilermaker Road races and two marathons. He was a passionate sports fan and cheered enthusiastically for the NY Yankees, SU Orangemen and the NY Giants. He enjoyed bocce, working out at Planet Fitness, and his time volunteering as a driver at the Office for the Aging. He was a member of the Toccolana Club and the IEEE. Joe was happiest when surrounded by his family, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and concerts, and during the family vacations to Disney World.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Dee; his two daughters and son-in-law, Kathleen and Robert Bojanek, and Deborah Popovich; grandchildren, Brent Popovich, Ryan (Megan) Popovich, Kara (Greg) Needelman, Lauren (fiancé, Tyler Kahn) Popovich, Erin (fiancé, Matthew Bandes) Bojanek, and Kyle Bojanek; one great grandchild on the way; a sister, Amelia Iselo of Floyd; a sister-in-law, Patricia Parry of Rome; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Bill Reese, and Bruce Groff. He was predeceased by an infant grandson, Brandon Joseph Popovich; his sisters, Loretta (Parry) Wrafter, and Virginia (Parry) Capponi; brothers, Louis Parry, Anthony Parry, Frank Parry and Thomas Parry; sisters-in-law, Marie Parry, Lee Parry and Mary Parry; brothers-in-law, Angelo Capponi, Peter Iselo and John Wrafter; and a niece, Mary Jo Gruhlkey.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at the Abraham House of Rome and Hospice for the care and support provided to Joe and his family, and also to Father Paul Angelicchio for his guidance, spiritual support, and friendship to Joe and family over the past several years. Also, a special thank you to Tracey for the love and compassion she showed toward Joe during the past year.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 29, at 11:00 AM at the Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist, with Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 AM prior to the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Abraham House of Rome, Hospice and Palliative Care, or St. John’s Endowment Fund.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.