Joseph L. Parlato
Joseph L. Parlato, age 84, of New Hartford, N.Y., formerly of Dunkirk, N.Y., passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 7, 2009.Joseph was born in Dunkirk, N.Y. on December 8, 1924. He was a graduate of
Dunkirk High School Class of 1942. He received his B.A. and Masters Degree from the University of Buffalo. A veteran of World War II, he served with the U.S. Army 86th Infantry Division in France, Belgium, Germany, and Austria. He also served in the Pacific Theater in the Philippine Islands. On November 24, 1949 he married Jennie Russo of Westfield, N.Y. Their marriage was based on mutual love, respect, and lasting commitment to one another. Jennie passed away on May 11, 2004. Joseph began his teaching career in Attica, N.Y. and returned to Dunkirk to teach history, he then became Director of Guidance, followed by High School Principal and in 1978 Superintendent of Schools. Joseph truly loved teaching and he maintained close relationships with many of his students. He was active in several professional associations. He was President of the Dunkirk Teachers Association, President of Dunkirk Administrators Association, and President of Chautauqua County Secondary School Administrators Association. He was also active in community affairs. He served on the Dunkirk Zoning Board, Holy Trinity Church Parish Council, Chautauqua County Red Cross, and Dunkirk Rotary. Joseph was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Frank Acquavia American Legion Post and the National Association of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a dedicated parishioner at Holy Trinity
Church in Dunkirk and when he moved to New Hartford he became a member of St. John the Evangelist Church.
Joseph will be remembered as a gracious and compassionate man. His devout spiritual life and the love and respect of his family and friends sustained him throughout his life. He was humbly proud of his grandchildren who truly revered him. Joseph is survived by his sister Florence Ricotta; three daughters and sons-in-laws, Michele and Richard Johnson of Fredonia, N.Y., Dr. Cynthia Parlato-Hurd and Dr. Douglas Hurd of New Hart-
ford, N.Y., and Patricia and Tony Herz of San Jose, C.A.; and six cherished grandchildren, Heather and Erin Johnson, Gregory and Allison Hurd, and Brian and Natalie Herz. Also surviving are many beloved nephews and nieces. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2009 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. at McGraw-Kowal Funeral
Home, 736 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, N.Y. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday, October 12, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 1032 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, N.Y. Donations in Joseph's memory may be made to Holy Trinity Church, Dunkirk, N.Y. or the Parlato Family Fund of the Northern Chautauqua County
Community Foundation.
