Frank Parello

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Frank T. Parello, 77, of Dongan Hills, a retired school bus driver, dedicated family man and accomplished bowler, died Wednesday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze.

The lifelong Staten Islander was born in Rosebank. He also lived in New Dorp before settling in Dongan Hills in 1968.

Mr. Parello graduated from New Dorp High School.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1956, stationed stateside, and attained the rank of airman third class.

Mr. Parello was a member of the Granito-Smith Post, American Legion.

He worked as a school bus driver for Pioneer Transportation for 41 years, until retiring in 2010.

A talented bowler, Mr. Parello was inducted into the Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame in 2004. He also was a member of the U.S. Bowling Congress' 300 Club. He was president of the Tuesday Night League at Rab's Country Lanes, Dongan Hills, and a member of the Senior Men's Bowling Club.

He and Doris Koffer, who also loved to bowl, met at a bowling alley on the Island and fell in love. They were married in Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Stapleton, in 1965.

In addition to bowling, Mr. Parello played in the Staten Island Slow Pitch Softball League, and was a referee in the Staten Island Touch Tackle League.

A member of the Great Kills Yacht Club, he enjoyed boating and fishing aboard his boat, "Baka's Boat."

He loved coaching his grandchildren in sports and going on family vacations. He especially enjoyed cruises to Alaska and Hawaii.

Mr. Parello was a parishioner of St. Ann's R.C. Church, Dongan Hills.

Along with Doris, his wife of 49 years, surviving are his son, Frank; his daughters, Kym Conca and Carissa Nunziante; his brothers, Louis and Anthony Jr.; his sisters, Margaret Maksimowich and Helen (Googie) Browne, and 11 grandchildren.

The funeral will be Saturday from the Virginia Funeral Chapel, Dongan Hills, with a mass at 10 a.m. in St. Ann's Church. Arrangements include cremation.