Page created by: Missy Walker

Michael Charles Parella, Jr. passed away on July 16, 2021, at home in East Greenwich, RI after a long battle with Parkinson’s and a short battle with Leukemia. He was the devoted husband of Betsy Parella to whom he was married for 54 years. Born in Norristown, PA in 1946, he was the son of the late Michael and Antoinette Parella (née SanFelice).
Michael is a graduate of La Salle University and a proud veteran of the Army. He spent almost 20 years of his career at Sears Roebuck and Co. before founding and presiding over the Valley Forge Publishing Group for 23 years. He lived in Wayne, PA for much of his life, before moving to RI in 2015 with his wife, daughter, and her family.
Michael is survived by his children, Jonathan Parella of Wayne, PA, Missy Walker and her husband Scott Walker of East Greenwich, RI, and Tina Wert and her husband Phil Wert of Orefield, PA. He was the grandfather of Michael and Abigail Parella, Leah and Lauren Walker, Ashley and Nikki Wert, and Alyssa Pagliaro, and the great-grandfather of James and Brady Pagliaro.
He is also survived by his brother James Parella and his wife Lorraine Parella, as well as nephews and cousins.
Michael enjoyed playing tennis and golf, traveling with Betsy, walking his dogs, and cheering on Philadelphia sports teams and the Boston Celtics. He had an incredible sense of humor and always made time for family and friends.
The family will hold a “Celebration of Life” honoring Michael in the future and will share details when available.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or to your local ASPCA.