Obituary for Felix G Parnell
FELIX G. (PIURKOSKI) PARNELL YOUNGSTOWN - Felix G. (Piurkoski) Parnell, 99, went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by people who loved him, Monday evening, March 14, 2016, at Heritage Manor. Felix was born April 24, 1916, in Hubbard, a son the late Walter and Helen Patrosky Piurkoski, who immigrated to the United States from Gorlice, Poland. He was a 1934 graduate of Hubbard High School, and in the late-1930s entered the New Deal relief program, the Civilian Conservation Corps. Felix was stationed with the CCC in a camp in Montana, where he provided unskilled manual labor and learned to build bridges for the military, in exchange for food, shelter, clothing, and a small wage which was sent home to his family. From 1943 to 1946, Felix served in the U.S. Army during World War II as an E-4 Specialist, and helped construct bridges for the troops. A machinist in the war, Felix was an expert with an M-1 and was a sharpshooter with a carbine. He served primarily in the Central Pacific Theatre, the Southern Philippines during the liberation, and in Japan. His area of operations were in battle campaigns. A decorated veteran, and 100% service connected, Felix received the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon with Two Bronze Battle Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal, and the Army Occupation Ribbon. In 1936, he began working at Republic Steel / Truscon as a welder. He worked for the company for 42 years, which was only interrupted by his time in the service. Felix enjoyed repairing cars in his garage, and he managed trailer parks and rented out homes. He and his wife, Anne, built their home in 1949, and shared a love of dance. Felix and Anne won many dance competitions and trophies at Arthur Murray. Ballroom and polka music were among his favorites. He and Anne also enjoyed traveling from coast-to-coast in their motor home, and spending winters in Gulf-to-Bay, Clearwater, Fla. Felix loved playing bingo and playing the horses at the Ladbrokes OTB in New Castle, Pa., traveling to the site twice a week until he was 94. After his wife died in 1988, Felix moved in with his sister, Nellie, who was widowed herself, and together they made a home for 15 years. They each enjoyed day trips to Easter Seals in Boardman, where they had lunch and participated in program activities. Felix moved into Heritage Manor in March of 2013, where he loved exercising, playing bingo, reading the paper, and where he looked forward to visits from his dear friend, Terri, who watched over him. Terri would accompany Felix to social functions and would relax with him outdoors while waiting for the ducks to appear. They each dressed up for Halloween and Christmas, which brought joy to the residents and staff. Felix loved Vanna White on Wheel of Fortune, and would tell everyone that when she waved, she was waving at him, and he would then wave back, with a chuckle.
Mr. Parnell was a member of St. Charles Church in Boardman. Felix leaves three brothers, Stephen (Piurkoski) Parnell, Stanley (Piurkoski) Parnell, and Lawrence Piurkoski; four sisters, Frances Stare, Nellie Leeson, Blanche Rudy, and Helen (Frank) Sansota; nephews, Raymond (Francine) SanSota, Richard and Rodney Sansota, John Jr. (Sue) Leeson, Michael (Jennie) Piurkoski, James E. (Andrea) Rudy, and Timothy (Monique) Rudy; nieces, Kate (Bert) Peacock, Victoria (George) Ellis, Carla (Raymond) Begeot, June (Carlos) Ortiz, Annette Mullins, and Wanda (Brian) Vermillion; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and many great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. His wife of nearly 50 years, Anne Marie Zaklukiewicz Parnell, whom he married in 1939, passed away in 1988. Besides his wife, an infant sister, Nellie; a sister, Mary; a brother, John; a nephew, David Stare; a sister-in-law, Mary Parnell; and three brothers-in-law, Tony Stare, John Leeson Sr., and James L. Rudy, are also deceased. Felix was a kind, endearing man, and his smile lit up a room. He will be sadly missed and forever remembered by his dear friend, Terri (John) Prestas, with whom he shared a special bond. Private services were held Saturday, March 19, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown. Committal will take place at Green Haven Memorial Gardens, where Felix will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife. Felix’s family is grateful for the exceptional care provide by Dr. Bruce Willner, and the staff at Heritage Manor. Memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Manor, 517 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown, OH 44504; or to Easter Seals, 721 Boardman-Poland Rd, #104, Youngstown, OH 44512.