Louis I Parrillo, 77, of New Port Richey, Florida, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, February 5th, 2024, with his loving wife by his side.
Louis was known to most as “Lou,” and in high school as “Louie,” and to his primary family as, “Luigi.” He was born on March 1, 1946, in Patterson, New Jersey. Upon his birth, he was immediately adopted by his parents Italo Garibaldi Parrillo and Grace Olive Parrillo (Krause). As a boy, he cherished his time with his aunts, uncles, and cousins at the Jersey Shore. Louis attended Midland Park High School, in Midland Park, New Jersey, and attended the University of Toledo in Ohio, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Professionally, Lou worked in the auto parts supply industry for most of his life and succeeded at climbing the corporate ladder. Eventually, he realized his dream of owning his own business and owned two: First, he owned an auto parts store in Bellingham, Washington. Later, he ran a successful home inspection business in Pasco County, Florida. Lou always loved to play sports. As a boy, he played baseball, basketball, and football. As an adult, he loved golf, tennis, and pickleball. He loved the mountains and the beach; and did so many outdoor activities: camping, hiking, kayaking, bicycling, and more. He was a world traveler. He visited many countries, all seven continents, and 49 of the 50 states (all but Hawaii!). He was working to visit all of the National Parks in the lower 48 states before he turned 80. (He had visited 38, with just 13 remaining.) He enjoyed learning about different cultures. He spent many years with his wife in her native country of Finland, went to Finnish University (Tampere), learned the Finnish language, and loved the Finnish people, culture, and his Finnish Family. When traveling, he cared far more about visiting the local grocery stores and seeing how people lived, than visiting any of the tourist traps or having any of the “Kodak moments.” Wherever he was, Lou brought his zest for life, nature, and exploration. He dealt with all people equally, honestly, and fairly. He approached life with levity and humor, loved a good laugh, and could laugh wholeheartedly at his own follies and fallibilities.
Lou is survived by his loving wife Kristiina Perttila; four children: son, John Louis Parrillo (wife, Melissa), daughter, Susan Mary Parrillo-Home (husband, Darren), son, David Samuel Parrillo, and daughter Sarah Ellen Holland; and four grandchildren: Kathryn Moore Carnahan, Drew Bear Bennett, Charlie Lucile Holland, and Madeline Rose Holland. He is also survived by his Uncle Nicholas Parrillo (the last of Italo’s generation), many cousins, nieces, nephews, and so many friends. Lou put these relationships first in his life. He planned many family reunions, worked on his high school class reunion committee, was a Board Member of the Red Apple School, and served on the New Port Richey Planning Board. He cared deeply about the people of New Port Richey and the future development of the City.
A Celebration of Life will be held.
Katie Carnahan
February 9, 2024, 6:09 pm
Grandpa,
You were — no, ARE — the best and dearest friend I have ever known. You will forever be my hero and inspiration, and I will always think of you in all of my future travels. I love you forever. I love you always.
Your loving granddaughter,
Katie
Kimberly
February 9, 2024, 10:05 pm
Lou, I am so grateful for your life, your humanity, and your presence in my heart. xoxo
Bob VanDerClock
February 10, 2024, 7:56 pm
You were a special guy Lou, loved and admired by everyone. May you rest in everlasting peace.
Fred Guenthner
February 10, 2024, 8:29 pm
Lou you will be missed. I’m glad the last time we were together we were hiking the trails in West Virginia mountains and enjoying the out doors and life in general. Classmate and forever friend. Fred
Mary Julian
February 10, 2024, 10:24 pm
Jim and I were shocked when we saw the obituary this morning. I have no words. I am so sorry. We will miss him immensely.
jukka perttilä
February 10, 2024, 10:38 pm
Lou, kiitos että saimme tutustua sinuun. Sanat eivät riitä kertomaan suuresta ikävästä. Onneksi on muistot yhteisistä hetkistä, hillaretkistä, lapinreissusta sekä matkoista teidän luo New Port Richeyhin. Jukka ja Tarja
Gina & John McGovern
February 10, 2024, 10:49 pm
Lou, we didn’t know you long or very well, but you touched our lives and we feel so blessed to have known you and your wife. Forever in our hearts ❤️
John & Gina McGovern
Carollynn Stevens Johnston
February 10, 2024, 11:16 pm
This is certainly shocking news. I last saw Lou when he came to my house for dinner in NC, on his way back to Florida, after the last reunion. I so expected to see Lou at the MPH 60th High School Reunion come September. I’ve known Lou since early grade school. He was one of the most popular guys in school with his outgoing personality and involvement in most activities and sports. He certainly had a zest for life. I really enjoyed all his Facebook posts showing all the interesting places he visited with his wife. He always appeared to be living it up and making the most out of life. He will be missed by many. Sincere condolences to the family. Lou, may you rest in peace. I’m glad you had such a full life. Carol
Craig Jester
February 10, 2024, 11:21 pm
My sincere condolences. It is hard to imagine so i am sure it is crushing to deal with the reality of your loss. Lou was truly a special person.
Mary B Archie
February 10, 2024, 11:25 pm
Lou was lovely man. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. I enjoyed all his adventures he posted . May he Rest in Peace on his new journey 🙏
Debi Cox
February 10, 2024, 11:28 pm
The world has lost such a good person. He will be deeply missed by both his friends and family. I will miss his jolly laugh, his quiet ways, and his joy for living. I met him playing pickle ball. He was always encouraging and took everything in stride. It is with much sadness that I say good bye to my friend, Lou.
marie kievit
February 11, 2024, 2:24 am
My condolences to Lou`s family what a shock this is to hear !RIP Lou I remember you as a very friendly classmate !
Dan Stokes
February 11, 2024, 3:46 am
Dear Tina – We’ve been thru a lot together starting at Florida Proton and I’m so sorry you’ll have to travel forward without Lou. In my mind it’s always you two, together. Sending love from SE North Carolina.
Denise Hawks & Anthony Lavelle
February 11, 2024, 1:16 pm
It was such a shock to see Lou’s smiling face in the obits. He led such a vibrant life. We also met Lou and Kristiina at the UF Proton and became friends that year which continued with a couple of get togethers a year since that time. We will sure miss his, at times, mischievous grin and responses during conversations. So full of information sharing. We will miss him.
Liisa
February 11, 2024, 2:51 pm
Ikävä ja suru on sanaton 💜 On niin vaikea löytää sanoja.
Krisse: Halaisin Sinua, jos olisit lähempänä.
Lohduttaisin, jos löytäisin oikeat sanat.
Tarttuisin käteesi, jos voisit ojentaa sen.
Kuivaisin kyyneleet ja pyyhkisin pois murheet, jos minulla olisi siihen taito.💜
Onneksi on niin paljon muistoja 💜
Kiitos kaikista yhteisistä muistoista. Onneksi niitä on paljon.
Dianne Gensinger
February 11, 2024, 6:52 pm
It’s heartbreaking to read this sad news.
My immediate thought was Kristina and the wonderful adventures she and Lou have shared on Facebook. I was so looking forward to seeing him again at our high school reunion.
To Lou’s family and friends, you all have my sincere condolences.
Bill and Brenda Nelson
February 11, 2024, 7:00 pm
We heard the news of Lou today and it is hard to fathom. For over thirty years Lou was part of our world and it will be hard to not picture him off on some adventure. We will remember Lou as a kind, honest and loyal friend with whom we shared many moments of our lives. We are heartbroken. Bill and Brenda
Aleksi
February 11, 2024, 11:33 pm
I remember as a kid waiting for you and Kristiina to come visit us during summers. It was very special for me. You were always great company, open minded and truly a great person. Im going to miss sharing stories and wonderful conversations with you Lou.
Janet Nagelhout
February 12, 2024, 12:51 am
When I heard this morning of Lou’s passing all I could feel, like so many others, was absolute shock. My deep condolences to his wife and family. When we have our next reunion, there will be a big empty space where
Lou should be. He will be so missed. Rest in peace Lou.
Varpuliisa Korpivaara
February 12, 2024, 10:25 am
Pohjattomassa ikävässä ja kaipauksessanne otamme osaa suruunne, Loun läheiset.
Lämmin ja niin tuore muisto kesäpäivästä Espoossa, Kristiina ja Lou.
Murheellinen uutinen jättää sanattomaksi.
Varpuliisa ja Erkki
Georgia Anna Robinson
February 12, 2024, 2:03 pm
My heart breaks at the news this morning of the passing of Lou. Not a long time friend but a friend indeed ever since we met at the camera club. Lou was a sweet, caring and lovely person. So creative too. My prayers for him and Kristina and may his soul rest in peace. I shall miss him.
Lois Kaneg
February 12, 2024, 3:11 pm
Such a shock and sad news. It was nice to get to know Lou as an adult thru our HS reunion committees. Kidded him about his “jock” days of HS about which he laughed heartily. Lou was an immensely intersting, humble, funny and authentic guy! Hugs and condolences to Kristiina, children, grandchildren and family. Prayers for you all!
Oona
February 13, 2024, 8:12 pm
Lou,
you were such a warm and kind person that made everyone feel at ease in your company. Your adventurous nature and open-minded view of the world was truly inspiring.
Thank you for all the exciting stories you shared and for making my first trip to Florida unforgettable.
You will be missed greatly ❤️
Tracey Howe
February 14, 2024, 2:41 pm
Thinking of Lou and his family during this difficult time. Although I only met him a few times on his visits into our office to see his daughter Susan, I could tell he had a wonderful zest for life and great pride in his family. He lives on through all of his travel adventures through the eyes of his daughter who was so proud to call him her father. Rest Peacefully
Al Oberlander
February 16, 2024, 1:25 am
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Lou. We were friends from the Camera Club where he was an active and enthusiastic participant, not to mention a first rate photographer.
Lou was a true gentleman who immediately put strangers at ease. He was classy, charming, friendly, fascinating and exhibited an envious joie de. vivre. His wide travels and experiences add to his uniqueness. How fortunate are those who had the privilege and honor of knowing him .
Our thoughts and best wishes are with Kristina and the family. Know that Lou will long be warmly remembered for the fine person he was.
Alisa Torkko
February 17, 2024, 12:17 pm
He left us quietly. His thoughts unknown. But left us a memory we are proud to own. So treasure him Lord in your garden of rest. For when on earth he was one of the best.
Sincere condolences,
Alisa, Tuukka, Taina, Marko, Armi and Juhani <3
Aaron Perttilä
March 9, 2024, 10:57 pm
I will allways remember Lou as cheerful person, who allways wanted everyone to have good time. He allways was doing something and wanted to be outside. For me he was and still is important family member and will be dearly missed. I’m lost for words, but you will allways be in my heart.
Konsta & Emilia
March 10, 2024, 2:12 pm
Hearing the news about Lou was shocking. I remember him taking us to lots of adventures like kayaking, camping, surfing and to see manatees while in Florida. Lots of good memories with Lou and Kristiina. Lou, you will be missed ❤️