Ronald A. Parise 1951-2008
Article Photos
Mr. Parise was born May 4, 1951, the son of Henry J. and Cathryn A. Parise.
A 1969 graduate of Western Reserve High School, he then received a Bachelor of Science degree in physics, with minors in mathematics, geology, and astronomy at Youngstown State University in 1971. In 1977 he received a master’s degree in astronomy, and in 1979 a Doctor of Philosophy in astronomy, both from the University of Florida.
After graduation, he accepted a position at Operations Research Inc., where he was involved with avionics and performing failure mode analyses for NASA.
After being involved with many other important responsibilities within NASA, he was selected as a payload specialist astronaut in 1984. His spaceflight experience was aboard the shuttle Columbia in 1990 and the shuttle Endeavor in 1995. He was one of the first astronomers to use the telescope in space.
He was inducted into the Warren High School Distinguished Hall of Fame in 1993 and was a member of the American Astronomical Society and Association of Space Explorers, where he received the NASA Space Flight Medal. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science from YSU in 1996.
Ron had a lifelong love for astronomy and amateur radio, for which he is known in this area. He also enjoyed flying, scuba diving, sailing, hiking and camping.
Survivors include his wife, the former Cecilia Sokol; a son, Nicholas A. of the U.S. Air Force; a daughter, Katherine A. Parise at home; his parents of Warren; a sister, Rita A. Parise of Warren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Resurrection Church in Burtonsville, Md. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Collins Funeral Home, Burtonsville, Md. Burial will be in Burtonsville Cemetery.
The family requests that material contributions be made to the YSU Foundation, Dr. Ronald A. Parise Scholarship Fund, One University Plaza, Youngstown 44555. Information is available at www.ysu.com
(special notice)
