Alfred Theodore Parrella

Lifelong Music Lover And Beloved Husband

Alfred Theodore Parrella, 88, died peacefully, November 8, at his home. He was surrounded by his loving wife, devoted stepdaughter, and Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. He was only two months short of his 89th birthday. Mr Parrella was born in New Haven on January 18, 1921, the fifth child of Maria (Esposito) and Alfonso Parrella.

He attended Hillhouse High School and spent four years on full scholarship at Yale, graduating in 1942 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was a registered professional engineer in both Massachusetts and Connecticut.

He served in the US Navy as a lieutenant commander during World War II and Korea, until 1955, when he settled in Newtown.

Most of his professional life was spent at the Farrel Company of Ansonia, where he invented, developed, and received patents for more than a dozen new mechanisms for roll grinders used in the steel, paper, and sugar industries. He traveled all over the world and was a “Who’s Who” in roll grinder engineering.

After his retirement, Mr Parrella joined the International Executive Service Corps and spent several months consulting in the Czech Republic and in Hungary after the Iron Curtain fell. He also spent several years in his retirement as a Literacy Volunteer.

Mr Parrella was a lifelong opera lover, musician, and singer. He was a member of the first Newtown Choral Society and a founder of the Newtown Madrigal Singers and Newtown Friends of Music. He was active in Newtown Congregational Church, Rotary Club, Newtown Men’s Literary and Social Club, and the Newtown’s Boys’ Club.

Mr Parrella was predeceased by his brothers Louis Parrella, MD, and Gioachino Parrella, MD; and his two sisters Lina and Ida. He is survived by his wife, Ellen; stepchildren George, Jim, and Kaia Fahrenholz; sister-in-law Lucy Parrella; nephews John and David Parrella; and many nieces and great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, November 21, at Newtown Congregational Church.

Donations in his memory may be made in lieu of flowers to Newtown Friends of Music, PO Box 295, Newtown CT 06470-0295.

Honan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The Newtown Bee      November 13, 2009