Samuel "Sammy" Parise

Samuel “Sammy” Parise, 97, a lifelong resident of Brockton, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025. Born in Brockton on June 23, 1928, Sammy’s mother and father, Nicola and Victoria (Lombardi) Parise, immigrated from the Calabrian region of Italy in the 1920’s. The oldest of four, he had three sisters.

Sammy served honorably in the United States Army. He was deployed to Germany in 1948 settling in Bavaria. Part of his military detail was setting up USO travel throughout Germany to entertain the troops. He met Louis Armstrong along the way. During his time in Europe Sammy was able to travel to Italy to visit with his family that remained there.

In 1950 he returned to the United States working in his father’s cobbler shop on Pleasant Street in Brockton. The shop was a fixture in the city of Brockton. After his father’s death, Sammy ran the shop on his own for 16 more years. He made lifelong friendships with his many customers through the years.

He also loved spending time with his friends at the Conte Memorial Club where he was a member. He worked as a bartender there for 23 years until he was 88 years old.

“Uncle Sammy” is survived by his nephews Edward Byers Jr., Dennis Francis, and Jamie Francis, his niece Sandra Francis, and his friends and caregivers.

He was predeceased by his three sisters, Katharine M. Byers, Margarita V. Parise, and Elizabeth Francis, and his beloved niece Cynthia M. Byers.

All are welcome to calling hours Friday, December 12th from 9-11 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service at Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St., Brockton. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Brockton. 

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