Joseph D. Parrish
December 6, 1927 — July 1, 2017
Joseph D. Parrish passed away suddenly, Saturday, July 1, 2017 at the age of 89. Born in Joliet, he attended St. John’s Catholic School and was a 1945 graduate of Joliet Township High School. He was a member of St. Mary Nativity Parish.
Joseph is survived by his sister, Margaret J. (late Aldo) Zanella; his nephews and nieces, Thomas (Diane) Zanella, DDS. St Petersburg, FL, Jean Zanella, Joliet, Paul Zanella, Naples, FL, Anne (Michael) Gleason, Crystal Lake, IL, Rita (Mark) Benson, Manhattan Beach, CA, Kathy Heller, Fort Worth, TX, James (Jean) Parrish, Chester, VA, Mary Jo Parrish, North Little Rock, AR, sister-in-law Mary Parrish, North Little Rock, AR, and dear friend, Mary Phelan of Joliet. Also survived by an aunt, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceded in death by his loving wife Evalyn (Denny) Parrish whom he wed in 1977; parents, Joseph Perisich (1979) and Clementine (Skroko) Perisich (1978); brother Vincent Parrish, sister-in-law Josephine (Dedo) Parrish and cherished niece Karen Parrish.
Joseph entered the US Army in 1945. He earned the rank of First Lieutenant, serving with the military police in Tokyo, Japan. After completing his service to his country, Joe attended and graduated from St. Joseph’s College, Rensselaer, IN. His professional career was spent with Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet and Peoria, travelling extensively throughout the world.
Joe enjoyed reading, fishing, golf, but especially gardening. Above all, he enjoyed travelling with Evalyn throughout the U.S. Joe meant the world to his family and friends and left us with many fond memories.
The family extends a sincere thank you to Integrity Senior Care, especially Jordan, Joan and Melody for their kindness and special care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Mary Nativity Capital Campaign.
A celebration of Joseph D. Parrish’s life will begin on Saturday, July 8, 2017 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:20 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment to follow at St. Mary Nativity Cemetery, Crest Hill. Visitation will be on Friday, July 7, 2017 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.