Maria G. Parisella

ALBANY- Maria G. Parisella, 79, of Albany, New York, died peacefully after a brief illness on October 2, 2026, at the Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Maria was born in Endicott, New York, on December 29, 1946, the daughter of Orlando and Erma Parisella. Here childhood was filled in music, reflecting her mother’s own deep love of music. She attended St. Joseph’s elementary school and graduated with honors from Seton High School in 1965. She went on to attend the College of Mount Saint Vincent, graduating in 1969 with a degree in Fine Art. Later, she earned a master’s degree in Special Education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany.

Following college, Maria began her professional life working as an art teacher at the former Rome Developmental Center. During those early years, she developed a lifelong respect for the dignity and individuality of people with special needs.

In the mid-1970s, she moved to Albany, proudly calling it home for the reminder of her life. There, she continued her commitment to special education through a career in public service, including many years with the New York State Education Department. Her career spanned nearly four decades before her retirement.

In addition to her commitment to special education, Maria became deeply involved in the civic life of Albany. Representing the Mansion Neighborhood Association, she worked with the Council of Albany Neighborhood Associations and was active with the city’s Community Police Council. Through this work, she helped strengthen communication between neighborhood residents and the Albany Police Department and contributed to efforts in community policing, crime prevention, and neighborhood quality of life.

These facts tell only part of Maria’s story. For those who knew Maria when she was young, there are memories going back to Endicott and Seton High School, to college and the formative years of the late 1960s. For others, Maria will always be part of Albany, the city where she spent most of her adult life, built her career, formed lasting friendships, and grew older.

Throughout her life, Maria placed great value on education, service, community, and friendship. She believed in the dignity of every person and gave much of her professional life to people with special needs. She cared deeply about the place she lived and the people who shared it with her. And she valued the friendships that endured across the decades.

She passed away in the city that had been her home for more than half a century. Maria will be remembered for her fierce determination, knowing smile, and an undying love for cats; especially those without forever homes. For those whose lives crossed hers, her passing brings sadness, but also appreciation for a life well-lived.

A funeral Mass will be held for her at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception 125 Eagle St. Albany on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Maria’s memory by making a donation to a local animal shelter. Their love and compassion for animals will live on through your kindness and generosity, helping provide comfort, care, and loving homes to animals in need.