John & Brenda Parlapiano

Brenda Kaye Parlapiano, 78, passed away on November 19, 2020. John Robert Parlapiano, 85, passed away 99 days later on February 26, 2021.

Brenda was born on October 28, 1942 in Golconda, IL, the only child of Ray and Jewell Hicks Baker. When Brenda was young, the family relocated to Rockford where she graduated from East High School. She was a homemaker for many years until her children were grown and then became an accomplished event planner and fundraiser for Behavior Corp, in Indianapolis.

John was born on July 28, 1935 in Rockford, IL to Anthony and Margaret Lazzio Parlapiano, and was the youngest of five children. He graduated from St. Thomas High School and enjoyed serving in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He worked with his brother for many years at Jubilee Food Mart before opening his own real estate company, Par Realtors. In 1984, John relocated to Indianapolis where he was a co-founder of an amusement vending company, Just Darts. John was a proud Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus for 45 years.

John and Brenda were married on June 6, 1964 at St. Anthony’s Church in Rockford. During their 56 years of marriage, they enjoyed boating, golfing, traveling and time with their family. Upon retirement, John and Brenda spent summers in Maggie Valley NC, before permanently relocating to sunny Naples, FL. The family takes comfort in knowing they are together again.

They are survived by their daughters, Myra (Ben) Glover of Maggie Valley, NC, Debbie (Kevin) Luers of Bloomington, IN; and grandchildren, Abby Luers and Zack Luers, of Bloomington. They are also survived by John’s sister, Rose Ciaccio, and many nieces and nephews. John and Brenda were preceded in death by their parents, as well as John’s siblings, Mary Halbin, Joseph Parlapiano and Margaret Manarchy.

A walk through visitation will be Friday, March 12, 2021 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. At St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson St. Masks and social distancing are required. Entombment at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to The American Cancer Society. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.