Nicholas Joseph Parisi, Sr., 81, of South Dartmouth passed away Saturday, March 24, after a long and courageous battle with lung disease.

Nicholas was born in Gloucester and has lived in the New Bedford area his entire life. He attended Holy Family High School and served in the Army National Guard as a young man. Nicholas was a true self-made man who owned and operated for many years quality seafood which later became Parisi Seafood on Homer’s Wharf in New Bedford.

Nick was very hard working and dedicated to his family, his business, and his beloved dogs. In retirement, he took pride in landscaping and maintaining his home and property. He was known in the Padanaram area for his love of dogs and could often be seen strolling with his loyal companions Okki and later, Honey. He was also a devoted Patriots fan and longtime season ticket holder who enjoyed sharing his love of the game with grandson, Spiros.

Nick is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean, daughter and son-in-law, Maureen and Aristides Mantzavinos, son and daughter-in-law, Nicholas Jr. and Jody Parisi, grandchildren Evanthia Granville, Spiros Mantzavinos, Maya Gonzales, Marisa Parisi, and Andrew Parisi, and great-grandchildren Anabelle and Josephine Granville. Nicholas was predeceased by his son Andrew Nolan Parisi who was lost at sea in 1990. He will be remembered lovingly by his family.

His memorial service was held on April 4 at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial followed in South Dartmouth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.