Middleburgh- Rocco J. Parise, Sr., 98, of Middleburgh and most recently White Plains, died Thursday, October 12, 2017 at White Plains Hospital.

Rocco was born in Brooklyn on March 24, 1919 to Filomena (Lepore) and Michael Parise.

He grew up in Brooklyn with his siblings and worked alongside his dad on an ice and coal truck and then eventually as a serviceman for 40 years with the Brooklyn Union Gas Company before retiring.

Rocco served in the United States Army from 1941 to 1945 and was awarded a Purple Heart for his bravery. Proud of his country and his service, he was a lifetime member of the VFW Post # 2161 in Middleburgh and rarely missed their monthly breakfasts, visiting with his friends.

He loved watching Westerns on TV, was a diehard Yankees fan, never passed up a good meal and cherished time with his beloved family.

Rocco moved to Middleburgh in 1987 and was a member of the Middleburgh Golden Age Club, the Knights of Columbus Council 4475 and a Communicant of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. Rocco's loving spirit, hearty laugh and winning smile assured him of friendships wherever he went including his recent move, closer to family in White Plains.

He was predeceased by his wife Salina in 1994, his 2 sisters, 3 brothers and his companion, Mary Gorman in 2012.

His loving family includes his sons: Michael (Mary) Parise of Rye, NY, Louis Parise of Orlando, FL, Rocco J. Parise, Jr. of Milford, CT; his 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, Main St. Middleburgh with Fr. Matthew Wetsel as celebrant.  Entombment will follow in Middleburgh Cemetery.  All are invited to a visitation from 6-8PM on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC 134 River Street, Middleburgh, NY.

Memorial contributions in Rocco's memory are asked to be sent to the Our Lady of The Valley Catholic Church Building Fund, PO Box 311, Middleburgh, NY 12122