Obituary of Ralph A Parisella

Ralph Parisella, 87, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, January 4, 2021. He was the husband of the late Diane A. (Crowley) Parisella. Born in Salem and raised in Beverly, he was the son of the late Giustino and Elizabeth (Tanzella) Parisella. A lifelong Beverly resident, Ralph was a graduate of the Claude H. Patten Trade School/Beverly High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He owned and operated Ralph’s Market and Ralph’s Ice in Ryal Side for many years before retiring in 1988. He was a member of the 100 Club, Ryal Side Civic Association, Italian Community Center, a volunteer for Bass River Inc. and Beverly’s School for the Deaf. He was also chosen B’nai Abraham’s Man of the Year in 1979. Ralph was a loving husband, father, Grampy, Papa, uncle, great uncle and a special friend to many. He was hardworking and valued family above all. His life’s pride and passion was owning Ralph’s Market. He was devoted to his customers and employees and forever grateful for their loyalty and support as well as the entire Ryal Side community. As a rubber chicken-slinging clown, he thoroughly enjoyed participating in the annual Ryal Side Parade on July 4th. After his retirement, Ralph enjoyed maintaining his properties and helping his children with home projects. However, his greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren. He always guided them with the wisdom of his life experience. Ralph is survived by two daughters, Jennifer A. Parisella and her husband, Christopher Cowans and Aimee Parisella and her companion, Richard Bernard; two sons, Dino D’Amato and Jason Parisella and his wife, Esther Wanyeri; eight grandchildren, Skyler, Ace, Zane and Juno Cowans, Tia and Austin Bernard, Anthony D’Amato and Enzi Parisella; a sister, Louise (Parisella) Cunningham and her husband, Richard; a sister-in-law, Marion (Zarella) Parisella; along with many beloved nephews, nieces, great- nephews and great-nieces. All are from Beverly. He is predeceased by three brothers, Paul, Joseph, John and his wife, Sally (Page) Parisella. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Private committal services will be held alongside his wife at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made in his name to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Ste. B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or to the100 Club of MA, 17 Gloucester St., Boston, MA 02115.