Victor Bruce Parizo

Victor Bruce Parizo passed away peacefully on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Those closest to him believe it was no coincidence that God chose this meaningful day to honor Bruce’s lifelong devotion to his family, his community, and his country.

Bruce was born in Sidney, New York, to Helen and Victor Parizo on August 27, 1931. He grew up in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, and attended Dunmore High School, where he met the love of his life, Jan. Their romance began while Jan, a talented pianist, accompanied the high school chorus in which Bruce sang. Their bond deepened through shared rehearsals and a growing love that lasted a lifetime.

After high school, Bruce attended Keystone Junior College, while Jan completed high school. The couple married in 1951 and began a journey which lasted nearly six decades. Bruce continued his education at Penn State University, earning a degree in Agricultural Economics in 1954.

Following his graduation, Bruce volunteered for military service. He completed infantry training at Fort Ord in California and served as a rifle instructor before being selected for the prestigious Sixth Army Honor Guard at the Presidio in San Francisco. There, he performed military honorsfor servicemen and women who had fallen overseas—work he carried out with deep respect and dedication.

Upon leaving the Army, Bruce worked briefly for the Curtiss-Wright Corporation in New Jersey before joining a supermarket management training program. This opportunity brought Bruce and Jan to Roxbury, New York, where Bruce managed a fluid milk processing plant. His leadership and expertise led to his eventual promotion to President of Delaware County Dairies. Bruce’s contributions to the dairy industry were widely recognized, earning him accolades including the Dr. Paul Brooks Memorial Award and the Emmet R. Gauhm Memorial Award from the New York State Farm Methods Committee. Bruce was a lifelong member of New York State Association for Food Protection.

While living in Roxbury, Bruce and Jan raised their two children, Glen and Sue. Bruce was deeply committed to his community, serving as a volunteer firefighter, a member of the American Legion, a board member of Margaretville Hospital, and an active member of the United Methodist Church.

After retirement, Bruce and Jan relocated to Lake Gaston, where Bruce continued his tradition of community service. He volunteered with the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department, Lakeside Lutheran Church, the Roanoke River Basin Association, Helping Hearts and Hands, the Lake Gaston Association, the Lake Gaston Water Safety Council (where he served as president), and the Timberline Homeowners Association (as treasurer).

Among his many affiliations, the Lake Gaston Lions Club held a special place in Bruce’s heart. He was a dedicated member for many years and received numerous awards for his service. In 2022, he was honored with the title of Lion Emeritus, a distinction he held with great pride.

Bruce was predeceased by his beloved wife Jan, with whom he shared 59 wonderful years of marriage.

He is survived by his children:

● Glen Ellis Parizo and his wife Rhonda Vail

● Sue Ellen Gray and her husband Douglas Andrew Gray

His grandchildren:

● Kaitlyn Bramblett (TJ Bramblett)

● Courtney Daum (Matt Daum)

● Alex Parizo

His great-grandchildren:

● Lillian Bramblett

● Maximus Bramblett

● Emma Bramblett

● Mathias Bramblett

● Ellie Daum

● Abigail Bramblett

● Nora Daum

● Zoe Daum

Bruce’s legacy lives on through the love he shared, the service he gave, and the lives he touched. He will be remembered with deep admiration and endless affection.

A memorial service will be held at Lake Gaston Lutheran Church in Littleton NC on June 28th at 11am. 

Live streaming of this memorial service will be available through this link:

https://www.youtube.com/@lakesidelutheranchurchelca5618

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bruce’s memory to Lake Gaston Lion’s Club or Lakeside Lutheran Church.