Guestbook and Funeral Services in Maryland

Russell Anthony Parise, 85, passed away peacefully Monday morning, April 24th at home surrounded by his family. He was born on February 2, 1932 in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Salvatore (Samuel) and Pauline Marino Parise. He was preceded in death by his two older sisters Mary T. Zollo and Josephine M. Parise.  

Russell (fondly known as ‘Russ’ by family and friends) was a dedicated husband and father. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Frances Parise, whom he married on November 12, 1966; daughter Lisa Pritchard and husband Robert J. of Frederick, MD; two grandsons Branden and Justin; three step-granddaughters Cortney, Kirsten and Heather; one step-grandson; six step-great grandchildren; along with two nieces and one nephew. 

A 1950 graduate of Lansdale High School in Lansdale, PA, he ran on the school track and cross country teams and won awards for his accomplishments, including setting the school record for most sit-ups. 

Russell served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954. After serving two years in the Army, he joined the Air Force later that year and served until he retired in January, 1975, with a rank of Technical Sergeant (TSGT).  During his Air Force and Army career, he was stationed at Wiesbaden, Germany, for four years, as well as Dover AFB, Parks AFB, California, Figi Islands, AFTAC (Alexandria, VA) and Andrews Air Force Base.

After retirement from the Air Force, he went to work for the Department of Energy in Germantown, MD, and Washington, DC.  He worked there for over 21 years as an Emergency Operations Specialist before he retired in 1997. 

Russell enjoyed his beer (especially German beer), attending air shows, family trips to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA, reading his books, pasta dinners, photography, subway sandwiches and listening to his music. Russell had a love for Germany that was formed when he was stationed there during his military career. He continued to visit Germany on vacations throughout his life. He also had a love for classic cars, especially attending and participating in numerous car shows, where he won many awards for his “baby,” a 1977 Volvo. He loved the Washington Redskins with a passion and was a dedicated fan. He was a season ticket holder for over 10 years and enjoyed attending games with his son-in-law. Most of all, he loved his family with all his heart.  

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, April 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at DeVol Funeral Home, 10 East Deer Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, April 28, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Martin of Tours Church, 201 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD.  Interment will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Morningstar Lutheran Church Cemetery in Luray, VA.  Memorial donations may be made in Russell’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association (http://www.alz.org/).