The anniversary of an Army sergeant’s death in Afghanistan will be commemorated every year.
“Resolved: The Town Council of the Town of Middletown, speaking on behalf of all its citizens, extends its hand recognizing the selfless sacrifice of Sergeant Michael F. Paranzino, while serving our country and hereby proclaims November 5 as Michael F. Paranzino Day in the Town.” Unanimous approval of the resolution noted above was given by the Middletown Town Council during Monday night’s meeting. As a result, every year, on the anniversary of Sgt. Paranzino’s death in Afghanistan in 2010, the town will honor its fallen soldier. Sgt. Paranzino, a former Middletown resident and a 2006 graduate of Middletown High School, was killed in Kandahar by an improvised explosive device (IED). The council’s proclamation also notes the town’s support …
In a ceremony attended by Gov. Lincoln Chafee on Saturday at the State House Garden of Heroes, Army Sgt. Michael F. Paranzino of Middletown and National Guardsman Pfc. Dennis C. Poulin of Pawtucket were honored with their names added to the monument.
The Paranzino Family of Middletown opens their hearts and home as they discuss the loss of their son, Sgt. Michael Paranzino, on Nov. 5 in Afghanistan.
After months of planning, a 5 by 3½-foot polished jet black granite monument had finally arrived at St. Columba's Cemetery on Wednesday, Aug. 31, and was lovingly placed at the gravesite of Sgt. Michael F. Paranzino. It's not far from his childhood home in Middletown that overlooks rolling farm fields and catches glimpses of Narragansett Bay. Images of Jesus embracing a soldier and of supportive angels' hands adorn the monument, as do Michael’s likeness. “He’s in God’s hands,” Melane Paranzino said. “That’s where we’ll be laid to rest one day too,” noted Michael’s father, Francis “Butch” Paranzino. The Paranzino Family—Melane and Butch, and their son Daniel, 26—lost Michael on Nov. 5, 2010 when he was killed in Kandahar, Afghanistan by an …
Elayne
9:27 am on Sunday, September 11, 2011
MIchael was my young cousin and no greater joy did he bring to others than with his dedication and loving smile. Forever Michael will be in our hearts and with the greatest of pride he is our American hero as are all who step forward to serve our country knowing that they put their lives before others. We thank them all. more ›