Aaron Dean Parrish

Aaron Dean Parrish passed away from heart failure Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born December 16, 1974 in Marion, Kansas to Debra (Crump) and Jim Parrish, he resided in Eldorado, Manhattan, and Wichita, Kansas, before moving to Rockford, Illinois, with his family in 1986.

Aaron graduated from Rockford East High School in 1994 and relocated to Madison, Wisconsin where he worked in sales and developed a network of close friends. He met Christina Porento in 2002, and they married on August 7, 2004. Daughter Isabelle was born in 2005 and son Ian in 2009. The family resided in Evanston, Illinois, where Aaron worked as a pest control specialist until their move to Las Vegas in 2016. There he fulfilled a life goal by becoming an electrician, helping others decrease energy bills, and working in the sales/installation of solar energy systems.

Aaron spent his early childhood leading the Hot Wheels pack around Kansas State University’s married student housing. He was among the first players in Wichita’s AYSO league and continued playing and coaching soccer in Rockford and Madison into early adulthood. Aaron was active in the Rockford Unitarian Universalist Church as a youth and young adult. He followed all Chicago sports teams and was a die-hard Cubs fan. He loved music, especially grunge and alternative rock, and attended many concerts in his younger days.

Aaron loved his children with a fierce passion. He was a proud and doting father who was always present with whatever was needed: an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or a huge hug. His love as a husband was also unmeasured. Aaron was committed to being there for his family each and every day.

Known and loved for his well-developed sense of sarcastic humor, his distinctive, infectious laugh, his “Aaronese” (combining words his own way), rib-crunching hugs, and deep devotion to family and friends, Aaron lit up every room he entered with his big smile, and his deep, unconditional love.

Aaron leaves behind his wife, Christina, children Isabelle and Ian, all of Las Vegas; parents Debra Parrish and Jim and Theresa Parrish; brothers Jesse Parrish, Ryan (Dana) Parrish, and Brendon (Kelly) Parrish; step-sister Gina Pulciani; paternal grandmother Laverna Parrish; in-laws Clara Porento and Edward and Margo Porento, Jr.; sister-in-law Katherine Porento; brother-in-law Bo Bozeman; numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and friends. He is predeceased by maternal grandparents Elmer Crump and Lois and Darrold Franks; and paternal grandfather, Donald Parrish.

A celebration of Aaron’s life will be held Sunday, August 5, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford, 4848 Turner Street. Contributions may be made to the family at: https://www.gofundme.com/support-for-the-parrish.