A lifelong Inwood role model is ‘Citizen of the Year’

Frank Parise III saluted his father, Frank Parise, with extemporaneous heartfelt words of appreciation, not only calling him a role model, words also used by one of his two daughters, Christine, but saying he always wanted to have his dad’s respect. Jennifer is also part of the Parise siblings.

“I am the parent I am today because of my father,” the younger Parise said

Parise, 74, a lifelong Inwood resident, was finally honored in-person as the Inwood Civic Association’s Citizen of the Year at the Inwood Country Club on March 19. Parise was originally named the award winner for 2019, however because of the coronavirus pandemic there was no formal dinner until last Saturday.

“I just want to thank the civic association for this honor, really it’s overwhelmingly,” he said. “I’m a past president of the civic, I know how hard they work.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, County Legislator Carrié Solages, Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, Cedarhurst Mayor Benjamin Weinstock and Cedarhurst Deputy Mayor Ari Brown also saluted Parise with citations and proclamations. Blakeman called Parise a friend and a person he can call on.

Members of the Inwood Fire Department, Peninsula Kiwanis and the Sons of Italy Leonardo da Vinci Lodge #238 were also among the many family members and friends who raised a glass to toast Parise.

“This fireman is more than fireman, he has contributed so much to his community in so many ways,” Solages said. Parise joined the fire department more than 30 years ago and served in several posts and is now in his second stint as fire district commissioner.

The Inwood Civic Association presented its first Citizen of the Year award in 1963. Parise is considered the award winner for 2019. Proceeds from the dinner, including many raffle prizes and the 50/50 raffle supports the philanthropic programs the association helps to fund such as scholarships for local high school students.

On a night that celebrated Parise, the family won the grand prize – a 55-inch Samsung television.

“When you are involved and do these things it fills you with great gratitude,” said Far Rockaway resident Paul Shanab, a member of Peninsula Kiwanis and adviser to the Hewlett High School Key Club, a student community service club.