It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lucy (Lucia) Marie Romano Parisi, who was born on December 13, 1931, and left us Wednesday, November 8, 2023, in Richmond, Virginia. She was surrounded by her children at the time of her death.
Lucy lived a long and fulfilling life as a wife, mother, career woman, traveler, grandmother and friend to many. Her husband of 56 years, Donato (“Dan”) Parisi, preceded her in death, along with her beloved mother and father, Michelina (Miele) and Antonio Romano (both from Monte San Giacomo in Italy); and her sisters, Rose Ruggeri and Marie Moran. She is survived by her sisters, Francis Rucker and Dolores Grossi; her son, Vincent Parisi of Hoboken, New Jersey; and daughters, Paula (Russell) Peaden of Richmond, Virginia, Michele (Robert Banach) Parisi of Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Sandra Parisi of Ewing, New Jersey. Additionally, she is survived by her precious grandchildren, Andrew Peaden of Richmond, Dr. Robert Peaden of Miami, Florida, John Peaden of Richmond, Richard Banach of Chevy Chase, Md., Douglas McCord of Chesterfield, N.J., and Katherine McCord of Washington, D.C.; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Lucy was a sought after executive assistant for her impeccable skills. As a young woman she worked for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. After raising her children in Westwood, New Jersey, she returned to work for the Port Authority at the World Trade Center.
Lucy was a Girl Scout leader, taught Sunday school, created wonderful Halloween costumes and baked a memorable cheesecake. Some of her happiest memories are raising her children on David Hooper Place in Westwood and the many friends she made there.
In her later years, Lucy and Dan lived half the year in Boca Raton, Florida, and in Renaissance, an adult golf community located in Manchester, New Jersey where they enjoyed entertaining many friends, the opera club, dancing, and hosting their grandchildren during the summers. Additionally, they spent their empty-nester years on many cruises and travels in the U.S. and Europe. She and Dan were avid dancers especially at the Elks Club in Boca Raton. After Dan's death in 2011, Lucy traveled back and forth to Florida and remained in Renaissance until 2019 where she moved to Richmond to be closer to her daughter, Paula. She lived in the Everleigh Short Pump community where she made many friends and contributed to the social life by encouraging dance parties and current event talks. Her passion for learning continued throughout her life as a voracious reader and a daily crossword puzzle aficionado.
In her last few weeks, she was lovingly cared for by her four children; her sister, Fran; her dear niece, Debra Greczek; and the staff and volunteers of Hospice of Virginia.
Her biggest accomplishment was being a loving mother and we will miss her forever.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 11, at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 West Broad Street, Glen Allen, where a Christian wake service will be held at 1:45 p.m. Her burial will be at a later date, where she will join her husband at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in North Hanover Township, N.J.