Jerry Parisi Obituary

Parisi, Jerry Joseph

Jerry Joseph Parisi, age 53, suddenly passed away at his home in Hanover, Illinois on 12/31/2023. Jerry was born in Chicago, a son of a WWII Navy veteran of humble Sicilian immigrant beginnings, the late Jasper Parisi, and Linda J (nee Schaffer-Dagdagan) Parisi, matriarch of the Parisi families of Hanover. Jerry believed in the American Dream and was a hard-working and loving family man.

Born 9/30/1970 and named after his maternal grandfather, the late Jerry Dagdagan of the Philippines, Jerry and his siblings were raised in the heart of Chicago by their widowed mother. He was taught that strong family values and good work ethic would bring success in life. Directly out of school, Jerry worked for 8 years as a professional drywaller and handyman in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. In the summer of 1995, his brother Jay landed a contract job to build up the Galena Territories, so the Parisi brothers relocated to the area, bringing thier mother, wives and children with them. For years, Jerry was a partner in Parisi Bros Construction of Hanover, which folded after the death of his brother Tony. He continued work as a subcontractor and by 2015, he was also the sole proprietor of his drywall and taping business, taking pride in workmanship on every job. As well-paying jobs became scarce over the past few years, Jerry gladly took on any available handyman work. Whenever Jerry was able to catch a break, he greatly enjoyed fishing, family barbeques, and get-togethers. He was also a great cook, preparing delicious Filipino Chicken Adobo, Tomato-Basil Spaghetti, and other dishes. Lately, Jerry had been suffering from malnutrition and not feeling well; despite this, he continued to work and spent quality time with his elderly mother and little Alaina.

Jerry left this world knowing that his lifetime of hard work had paved the way for his family's current and future successes in Hanover and the surrounding Tri-State area. Beloved and cherished by many people, he will be deeply missed by his grieving mother Linda J Parisi, his son Jason (Carrie) Parisi, daughters Amber (Justin) Daughenbaugh and Alaina Parisi, grandbabies Maverick Parisi, Edwin and Emerson Daughenbaugh, as well as his sister Cindy (Vince) Arriaga and brothers Paul and Peter Parisi. Adoring uncle of Gerry Flores, Mat and Cathy Rochel, Mari, Sarah, and Abi Arriaga; Ashlee, Jay Jr., Nicole, and Jacob Parisi; Chris, Nick, and Ben Parisi; Mark, Peter, Anthony, Peterson, and Pierson Parisi. He is also survived by his aunt Cathy (late James) Derrig and his uncle Terry Dagdagan, many cousins, grandnieces and grandnephews, and a great-grandnephew. Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Jasper, stepfather Jose, cousin Jimmy, and brothers Joe, John, Jay and Tony.

Jerry's funeral services will be private.

Sign Guest Book at legacy.suntimes.com