Biography of John U. Parolo
John was born October 11, 1924, in Croweburg, Kansas to Ugo and Elizabetta Parolo. The son of Italian immigrants, John attended Croweburg Grade School and graduated from Arma High School in 1941. As a young boy, he was baptized in the Catholic Church and continued his devotion and faith praying the rosary daily. On November 27, 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army and was a private first class serving in the 13th Armored Division during the European Theater of WWII until his discharge on October 26, 1945. During his time in Europe, John was wounded on April 13, 1945, near Cologne Germany which left him with severe hearing loss. Following his injury John returned home and began his road to recovery. For his service he received the Purple Heart, ETO Ribbon and two Bronze Service Stars.
John enrolled in two classes at Kansas State Teachers College (now Pittsburg State University) with hopes of becoming an engineer. Due to his hearing loss, he was not able continue his education. John lived his life on the values of honesty, integrity, and hard work. He went to work for McNally Manufacturing in Pittsburg for 3 years before moving to Wichita, Kansas and working for The Boeing Company as a machinist for 35 years until his retirement in 1990. Following his retirement, he moved back to Croweburg where he lived until his passing on February 12, 2019.
John had a love for fishing and traveling. His many fishing trips included 30 trips to Canada, 2 to Alaska, and 1 to the Caribbean. His other travels included 9 trips to Italy to visit relatives, a trip to Egypt and the Holy Lands as well several other European countries with his sister.
He also enjoyed attending his 13th Armored Division “Black Cats” Army reunions and connecting with his fellow comrades and their families. He was a generous supporter of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.
John loved to share his life experiences as a young boy growing up in Croweburg. He would tell stories of the bootlegging days and the booming town of Croweburg during the height of the Coal Mining Industry.
John was a generous and loving man who donated to many charitable causes during his life and through his estate planning. The John U. Parolo Educational Trust was established following Mr. Parolo’s death.
John enrolled in two classes at Kansas State Teachers College (now Pittsburg State University) with hopes of becoming an engineer. Due to his hearing loss, he was not able continue his education. John lived his life on the values of honesty, integrity, and hard work. He went to work for McNally Manufacturing in Pittsburg for 3 years before moving to Wichita, Kansas and working for The Boeing Company as a machinist for 35 years until his retirement in 1990. Following his retirement, he moved back to Croweburg where he lived until his passing on February 12, 2019.
John had a love for fishing and traveling. His many fishing trips included 30 trips to Canada, 2 to Alaska, and 1 to the Caribbean. His other travels included 9 trips to Italy to visit relatives, a trip to Egypt and the Holy Lands as well several other European countries with his sister.
He also enjoyed attending his 13th Armored Division “Black Cats” Army reunions and connecting with his fellow comrades and their families. He was a generous supporter of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.
John loved to share his life experiences as a young boy growing up in Croweburg. He would tell stories of the bootlegging days and the booming town of Croweburg during the height of the Coal Mining Industry.
John was a generous and loving man who donated to many charitable causes during his life and through his estate planning. The John U. Parolo Educational Trust was established following Mr. Parolo’s death.