Anthony C. “Tony” Parigi, 95, of Beaumont, died Thursday, July 9, 2009, at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth.
Mr. Parigi was born January 1, 1914, in Cefalu, Sicily, and from the age of five was a Beaumont resident.
He began his business career at Swift & Company. Mr. Parigi served in the United States Army from July 22, 1943, until he was honorably discharged on August 8, 1944. When he returned to Beaumont, he bought a small grocery store on Avenue B which he and his wife Opal operated. Later on he built his second grocery store/meat market, on the corner of Calder and Lucas and became a very successful businessman. He developed the two corners of Calder and Lucas where they were before Lucas Drive redesigned. The Calder-Lucas Center occupies the other corner.
Mr. Parigi enjoyed visits with his great-grandchildren and watching them play the piano and run around the house. In high school he excelled in basketball but played all sports, even boxing. He enjoyed watching sports on television and John Wayne movies and took great pride in his yard. He liked to walk up and down his street and talk with neighbors and also, just to sit on his patio soaking up the sunshine.
Mr. Parigi is survived by his daughter, Linda Sachitano and her husband Jim; two grandchildren, Christine Bertrand and Paul, and Cindy Weeks and Jeff; four great-grandchildren, Gabrielle and Phoebe Bertrand, and Josh and Jillian Weeks; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife of fifty-four years, Opal Knight Parigi; and his son, Donald Anthony Parigi preceded him in death in February of 2006. Mr. Parigi was the youngest of seven brothers and one sister, all of whom preceded him in death, Joe, John, Frank, Cyril, Vincent, Sam, and Santa Garbo.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 13, 2009, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, July 12, 2009, at Broussard’s.
He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne Catholic School, P.O. Box 3429, Beaumont, Texas 77704-3429 or to the charity of your choice.
