Submitted by: Dan Rich

David Anthony Parisi

June 8, 1982 - May 31, 2007

South Bend Tribune 6/1/2007
SOUTH BEND - David A. Parisi, 24, died Thursday, May 31, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was born June 8, 1982, in South Bend, to Luciano and Rose (Schirripa) Parisi, who survive along with two children, Lisa Waite and Matthew Parisi, both of Granger; and maternal grandmother, Maria Schirripa of South Bend.

Services will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday in Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the Hickey Funeral Home, 17131 Cleveland Road, where a Rosary will be said at 4 p.m. Burial at Highland Cemetery.

South Bend Tribune 6/2/2007
GRANGER - David Anthony Parisi, 24,  passed away Thursday, May 31, 2007, surrounded by his loving family. Born with muscular dystrophy one could imagine the struggle David may have gone through. Despite this, David never allowed his disability to weigh his future down. With strong determination, which he was known for, David defeated all odds and accomplished what was deemed impossible. Surpassing Penn High School with perfect attendance he proceeded to Holy Cross College where he made the Dean's list and eventually progressed to his life-long dream of entering into the University of Notre Dame. If being accepted was not enough of an accomplishment, he stood out in his class and graduated with honors from Notre Dame's very own Mendoza College of Business. Education was just one of David's many accomplishments. If David were to explain his greatest accomplishment, it would be his attendance record of Notre Dame Football home games. Regardless of what stood in his way, whether it was snow, rain, or his illness, David did not miss a home game since he was ten years old. As for those who witnessed David getting physically weaker, they realized that he was growing mentally stronger and ready to overcome any problem sent his way. David was known by many and a loss so great will never be forgotten. He has touched many lives and was there for all. David has taught all to live life to the fullest and that anything is possible.

David was preceded in death by his loving grandparents, Gelormo and Elvira Parisi and Salvatore Schirripa. He leaves behind his loving parents, Luciano and Rose (Schirripa) Parisi; his brother, Matthew; and his sister, Lisa Waite (Sean); his aunts, Carmela Macri (George) and Maria Bumbaca (Cosimo); and uncles, Gerry, Dominic (Kim), Anthony (Therese), and Joe Schirripa (Darryl) and Dominic (Anita), Frank (Lina), and Roberto Parisi. David will be thoroughly missed by his countless cousins who loved him dearly and his newly born nephew, Samuel Cole Waite. The family wishes to thank those who contributed in making David's life, while here on earth, more enjoyable and those who kept him in their daily prayers. A very special thanks to his favorite aunt, Carmela, and his uncle, Gerry. Without their constant support, love, and affection, David's life would not have been as fruitful. In addition, the family would like to thank Dr. Latief, Dr. English, and staff for the very special care that was given to David.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 4, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the Notre Dame Campus. Interment will follow in Highland Cemetery. Friends may call 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the HICKEY Funeral Homes, 17131 Cleveland Road, where a Rosary will be said at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made to Corpus Christi Parish, 2822 Corpus Christi Drive, South Bend, IN 46628, and to the Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation, 2330 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46208.