U.S. Army veteran of WWII
Published in the July 20, 2018 edition
MELROSE — Dominic “Buddy” Parro, 94, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 9, 2018.
Born and raised in Revere, he was the son of the late Michael Parro and Olive (Kimble) Parro. As a young man, Buddy met the love of his life Ernestine Nicolini who he married on October 18, 1946 and they shared 62 years of marriage before her death in 2009.
Buddy was proud of his country and served as a Private 1st Class in the US Army during WWII. He spent time in the Pacific Theater where he received a campaign medal and victory medal for his service. Following his honorable discharge, he and Ernestine settled in Melrose in the same home that he resided in and loved until the last week of his life. He spent his professional life as an auto body mechanic and was a talented auto body repairman.
Buddy spent many happy summers on Balch Lake in East Wakefield, N.H. at the beloved family “camp” where he enjoyed fishing, playing golf, driving the boat while his nieces and nephews water-skied, and talking politics with friends and family.
While Buddy did not have children of his own, he was a very proud uncle. He is survived by his numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, many of whom were with him through the end of his life. He was a strong, independent man who, with the support of his family until his very last days, was blessed to live at home on his own.
Buddy wanted to be sure to let those who cared for him know how grateful he was for their support and kindness, even when he may not have shown his gratitude or in his words “didn’t deserve it.” The years following the death of his beloved Ernie were better than anyone could have expected, with an endless supply of love that enveloped him until his death.
Buddy’s family would like to express their gratitude to the Melrose Police, Fire and EMT’s who often assisted him with kindness and compassion when he stumbled in his home. Also, many thanks to the wonderful nurses and social workers at Hallmark Health VNA and Hospice, especially Nicole, Janice and Peter, the staff at Oostermann’s Rest Home in Melrose, and ABC Home Healthcare. A special thank you to John Toy, his home health aide from Mystic Valley Elder Services, who made it so Buddy could live his last days in the comfort of his home.
Buddy was the beloved husband of the late Ernestine (Nicolini) Parro with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Brother of the late Anthony Parro, June Winkler, Olive Pappa, and Regina Roach. Cherished uncle of numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor and remembrance of Buddy’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, July 29 from 3 – 6 p.m., and for his funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church, Herbert St., Melrose celebrated on Monday, July 30 at 9:30 a.m. Interment with military honors presented by the US Army at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
Gifts in Buddy’s memory can be made to Hallmark Health VNA and Hospice, 178 Savin St., Suite 300, Malden, MA 02148. For online tribute, or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
