Sam R. Parisi

MIDDLETON- Sam R. Parisi, age 94, of Middleton, died on Friday, Dec. 2, 2011 at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on Dec. 19, 1916 and raised in the Greenbush neighborhood of Madison, the son of John and Sarah (Scalissi) Parisi. On June 10, 1939, Sam and Dorothy Tracy of Edgerton were married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Edgerton. In the mid-1940’s they moved to Middleton where Sam started Parisi Construction Company, as he said “…with a shovel and a wheelbarrow.” For over fifty years the business has grown, now into the third generation, always guided by Sam’s three life principles: hard work, integrity, and ethical conduct. He always said that it was not the quantity of work but the quality. For over 45 years, the company has been a member of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders’ Association. A first generation American, Sam was very proud of his Albanian/Sicilian heritage. In 1974, he was honored as Columbian of the Year by the Italian Workman’s Club of Madison. For 50 years he was head chef at St. Bernard’s spaghetti dinner. Sam enjoyed his garden, vacations in northern Wisconsin and Las Vegas, and his Badgers and Packers. Sam is survived by his wife of 72 years, Dorothy; five children, Sandy (Arlo) Pape of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; John of Naples, Fla.; Cindy Parisi (Dick) Baker of Waunakee; Tina Parisi of Madison; and Sam (Linda) Parisi Jr. of Middleton; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother, Joe Parisi of Middleton; and sisters, Victoria “Toots” Emery of Mauston and Sarah Theel of Madison. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Mary Carpenter; a brother, Charles “Blackie” Parisi; and daughter-in-law, Linda (Licklider) Parisi. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at noon, on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011, with Monsignor Doug Dushack presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Monday, Dec. 5, 2011, and also at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Sam’s name may be made to the Middleton EMS at 2020 University Avenue. Sam’s family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Dan Jarzemski, his home caregiver Jane Hanna, and to the staff at Agrace Hospice Care. Arrivederci, Sam. It’s been a great ride and we will miss you. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Sam’s name may be made to the Middleton EMS at 2020 University Avenue. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Monday, Dec. 5, 2011, and also at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at noon, on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011, with Monsignor Doug Dushack presiding.