Joseph Paul Parrinello

Joseph Paul Parrinello passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, under the care of the Mitchell House at the age of 89. Embraced by the love of his family, Joe was welcomed into eternal peace after facing the challenges of dementia and the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife, Carole.

A Mass celebrating Joe’s life will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Joe was born on March 4, 1937, in Beloit, Wisconsin, to Francesco and Catherine (Pelligrino) Parrinello. Raised in a Sicilian family, he developed a lifelong love of food, music, laughter, and gathering with the people he loved. Some of the best moments in life, according to Joe, happened around the dinner table. He especially loved cooking for others, using food as one more way to care for family and friends.

Joe’s greatest gift was his ability to connect with people. While serving in the Unites State Army as a medic, he often comforted fellow soldiers during difficult moments, especially those who received what he always called “Dear John” letters. He stayed faithfully by the side of injured servicemen during their recovery, offering compassion, humor, and reassurance. Those experiences inspired his lifelong calling to social work and counseling.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, and his master’s degree from the University of Missouri. Joe became a Licensed Independent Social Worker and was a member of both the American Associated for Marriage and Family Therapy and the Academy of Certified Social Workers. He spent 14 years at Catholic Charities before continuing in private practice for many years.

Joe loved helping people find hope, healing, and perspective. He frequently gave presentations within his field and enjoyed sharing his ideas and experience with colleagues. His compassion, wisdom, humor, and ability to truly listen touched countless lives. He continued practicing therapy well into his seventies before retiring to care for his beloved wife, Carole.

Joe was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan and had a deep appreciation for film, literature, music, and operas. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, he performed leading roles in college musicals, most notably Showboat, where he met the love of this life. What drew Joe to both sports and the arts was his admiration for people who had truly mastered something. He deeply appreciated talent, discipline, dedication, and the effort it took to perfect a craft, whether on a stage, a football field, or in everyday life.

He was also an avid gardener and a gifted storyteller who loved both listening to others and sharing life’s experiences. Joe had a remarkable knack for finding humor in everyday moments and helping others see it too. Whether through a story, a laugh, or a simple conversation, he made people feel comfortable, understood, and connected.

On April 8, 1961, Joe married Carole George Parrinello. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and service. They were blessed with two children, Frank and Gina.

Joe was deeply devoted to this family and especially cherished his four granddaughters, who brought him endless pride and joy. Nothing made his eyes light up more than time spent with his family.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Gina Rosenbaum and her husband, Paul; his four granddaughters, Tasha Rosenbaum and her husband, Kevin Lotero, Katherine Rosenbaum and her significant other, Logan Whitead, Alyssa Rosenbaum and her husband, Edward Kroll, and Hailey Rosenbaum; two great-granddaughters, Madeline Young and Kai Lotero; two great-grandsons, Everett and Hudson Whitead; and his sisters, Nina Bruno and Virginia Milun.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carole, and his son, Fr. Frank Parrinello.

A special thank you to StoneyBrook Assisted Living for the compassionate care they provided over the last two years. We are especially grateful to Michell House, which became his final home, and to Care Initiatives Hospice for their comfort, support, and kindness during his final days. Though their care was brief, it brought comfort to him and our family.

Joe will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered for his kindness, compassion, wisdom, and the genuine way he cared for others. His warmth, stories, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He often reminded those he loved to ‘See the humor,’ reflecting the grace and perspective he carried throughout his life.