Roger K. Parolini, 90, died peacefully on Thursday, June 9, 2016. Born in Westfield, Massachusetts, on June 24, 1925, Roger was raised in the Advent Christian Church, the denomination that founded Aurora College. It was at Aurora where he met his wife, Marilyn Bohy. They married in 1955 and have four children: Mark, Stephen, Timothy and Martha. He also is survived by grandchildren Topher, Scot, Daniel, and Isabella, and great granddaughters Harper and Luna. Roger earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Aurora College in 1949. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in music in 1958 and a master’s degree in 1960 from the American Conservatory of Music. He also served in the U.S. Naval Air Corps from 1942-1945. In 1954, Roger returned to Aurora College as a field representative. He eventually served as associate professor of music, choir director, men’s tennis coach, director of development, director of alumni and church relations, vice president of college relations, and most recently, director of special gifts. He worked at the university for more than 65 years until his passing, demonstrating a deep commitment to the college, community, his faith and students. In every role he held, Roger always infused his love of music into his work. Many friends and family members can recall being greeted with the singing of “Happy Birthday to You.” He led countless audiences in the singing of the Aurora University alma mater. He directed music of the Advent Christian, Oswego Presbyterian, Westminster Presbyterian, Our Savior Lutheran churches, as well as the Holmstad and Aurora College/University choirs.
He also performed as a soloist throughout the greater Chicago area. In 1999, Roger received the inaugural Roger K. Parolini Lifetime Achievement Award from Aurora University, presented to individuals who have given exemplary service to AU or other educational, social or religious institutions or causes. As further testament to Roger’s lifetime commitment to music at Aurora University and the Advent Christian Church, the Roger and Marilyn Parolini Music Center was dedicated on campus in 2006.
Roger was a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow and a volunteer at Wayside Cross Mission. He was a friend, father, husband, scholar, mentor and man of faith. His legacy of service and friendship will be cherished at all the places he loved. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial servicewas held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in Crimi Auditorium in the Institute for Collaboration at Aurora University (1347 Prairie St., Aurora, IL). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roger’s memory to Aurora University (347 S. Gladstone Ave., Aurora, IL 60506-4892). Arrangements were handled by The Healy Chapel, Aurora. For further information please call 630-897-9291 or www.healychapel.com to sign the online guestbook.Published in the Aurora Beacon News from June 12 to June 13, 2016.
Roger Parolini Memorial Service
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xWBjboYpDY
“Blessed Assurance” hymn – Roger Parolini memorial service
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djf4su3NJfk
