John Ralph Parisi

John R. Parisi, 86, lifelong Livingston resident, passed away Monday, August 18, 2014 at his home with many loved ones at his side. Cremation has taken place at Franzen-Davis Crematory. A Memorial Rosary Service and sharing of memories will be held 7 P.M., Monday, August 25, at St. Marys Catholic Church with Father Navil Rodriguez serving as celebrant. A Graveside Committal Service and Burial will be held 11 A.M. Saturday, September 20 (on Johns birthday), at Calvary Cemetery in Livingston. We will meet at Franzen-Davis and process to the cemetery. The graveside service will be followed by a fellowship luncheon and birthday celebration at St. Marys Catholic School Gymnasium. Memorials are preferred to: St. Marys Catholic School Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 646; Livingston, MT 59047. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ John was born on September 20, 1927, in Livingston, Montana. He was the son of Marco and Natalina (Indendi) Parisi. He received his education in Livingston attending St. Marys Parochial School and the North Side School. At age 13 while John was attending school he worked for Ralph Woodring Dairy in Clyde Park as well as running Jack Latchs Fuel Station on the weekends. While still attending school, at age 15, John went to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad in the roundhouse doing various jobs. At age 17 John entered active military service in the United States Army on November 6, 1945, and served his country during WW II. He served in Germany with the Infantry as a mechanic. While in Hesintaugh, Germany he had the job of driving a German executive officer, the second lieutenant, around. John and the lieutenant became good friends and John would take him deer hunting and fishing. John was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He received an Honorable Discharge on August 13, 1948. Upon Johns return from the service he worked at the 5th Street Texaco Station and for Lundys Market on Main St. He was a driver for them on the weekends driving the Idaho to Salt Lake City and back route. John met Loretta, courting her for some time; Loretta remembers having Lime Cokes with John at Wilcoxsons. On August 1, 1950 John was united in marriage to Loretta M. Luberts, at St. Marys Catholic Church in Livingston. This marriage was blessed with seven children, Diana, David, Dennis, Debbie, Dan, Doreen and Doug. John and Loretta resided in Livingston their entire lives. They made their home next door to the house that John was born in, living there for 61 years. They had just celebrated 64 years of marriage at the beginning of August. As a young man John took on work with Western Plumbing and Heating in 1954. He started his career repairing appliances. Once they noticed how mechanically talented John was he soon moved into the plumbing and heating department. He soon thereafter became and Journeyman Plumber and then a Master Plumber. In 1978 John and David purchased the business from Gordon McGuire. John employed all of his children, and even kept Loretta busy doing the books. He was dedicated to the Livingston community answering service calls at all hour of the day and night, holidays and weekends. You may have come into the shop for a ten cent sink washer but you left with a $100 education on how to install it properly. John loved the people he had the privilege to serve. Johns entrepreneurial spirt has been carried on with each of his children owning their own businesses; his sons all own and operate plumbing businesses. John retired at the age of 72. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, Moose and the American Legion in Livingston. He was also a devoted member of St. Marys Catholic Church. Many will remember the ice fishing trips that John auctioned off at the Bash. He fought a courageous battle with cancer and in the process kept saying how he was so fortunate because there were so many others that were worse off than he was. John was a mans man, hardworking, honest, a talented fisherman, hunter and a bulls eye shot. His hunting and fishing buddies, and the time he was able to spend with them, meant the world to John. He was a carpenter, an electrician and a mechanic; he could fix anything that needed fixn. He was also a family man. John loved to camp with the family, take them hunting or fishing, he even taught them to drive in his old jeep on the hill behind the house. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were all the gold he needed in life, they gave him the richest feeling he could imagine. Livingston has lost a great member of our community. The legacy he has left will be with us always. Blessed be his memory. John is survived by his: Loving wife of 64 years, Loretta Parisi of Livingston. Children, Diana Merideth and her husband, Ken of Livingston; their children, Nikki Jo Mustard (Joe) and their children Alex and Zach; Jason Merideth (Martilyn) and their child Aurora; Joshua Merideth (Allison) and their children Jacob and Grace. David Parisi and his wife, LaVern of Livingston; their children, Kris Loomis (John) and their children Kellen and Kase; D.J. Parisi (Robyn) and their children Drake and baby girl due in November. Dennis Parisi and his wife, Becki of Harlowton; their children, Dustin Parisi (Sandy) and their children Lydia and Allysa; Emerald Parisi (Roger Kitts) and their children Jada, Moses, Elias, Justice, George, Wolfgang, and baby boy due in September; Brittany Cooney (John) and their children Jack and Loretta. Debbie Park and her husband, Tom of Quincy, WA; their children, Lexie Mitchell (David); Ashley Viers (Cody) and their child Chandler. Dan Parisi and his wife Tana of Big Timber; their children, Jamie and Jonathan. Doreen Caquelin and her husband, Rick of Stanford; their children, Kylene and Caleb. Doug Parisi and his wife, Karri of Livingston; their children, LeeAnn Parisi and her children Karlee and Elizabeth, and John Ralph II "Johnny." Siblings, Adeline Swan of Livingston, Manuella Roberts of Livingston, Marco Parisi and his wife, Dorothy of Livingston, Martin Parisi and his wife Sharen of Livingston and Geraldine Stoneman of Seattle, WA. Nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends. John is preceded in death by his parents, Marco and Natalina Parisi, and siblings, Tony, Evelyn, Carolyn, Virginia and Jenny. The family requests the presence of anyone and everyone at all services to share the stories of his life. Arrangements are under the direction of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.