Reverend Mike Parrotta R.I.P.

 

From Brian Harrington, Investiture 1961:

 

Earlier this year, well-known & highly respected S.M.M. alum Fr. Michael Parrotta learned that his cancer had metastasized, and further medical intervention was not possible. Sadly, I now reportt that Fr. Mike passed away in Hospice care on October 14, 2022.

A native of Ozone Park, N.Y., Mike Parrotta enrolled at Montfort Prep Seminary in 1952 after graduating from St. Mary Gate of Heaven grammar school. He played varsity sports at MPS. Mike (a gentle giant) excelled in two of them. In soccer he was a fullback feared by opponents because of his size. He was strong and could kick a soccer ball fifty yards or more when clearing it from the goal he was defending. In baseball, he was the varsity catcher and field boss and the standout power hitter on the team. He could be an outspoken tease of fellow students but never a nasty one. We liked him, and he liked us.

He was invested in 1958 and entered Novitiate in Hartford City, Indiana. Following first Profession of vows in 1959, he began Major Seminary studies in Litchfield, Ct. At the conclusion of the 1962 academic year, Mike declined renewal of his vows and departed the S.M.M. after ten years of study.

Mike never quite abandoned his interest in priestly ministry. Years later, as a “delayed vocation” candidate, he resumed seminary education and was accepted for ordination by the Bishop of Fargo, North Dakota. Subsequently, with the approval of that Bishop, he requested and received a transfer to Florida to help a cancer stricken, neglected young woman, whom he later adopted. For the past 12 years, Fr. Mike has been on staff, serving parishioners at:

St. Rita's Catholic Church

13645 Paddock Drive

Wellington, FL  33414

(561) 793-8544