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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE DEATH OF GEORGE JOSEPH PARNESS OF MYRTLE BEACH AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the death of George Joseph Parness of Myrtle Beach on November 28, 2015, at the venerable age of ninety; and
Whereas, born on July 23, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York, George was a first-generation American, a son of two immigrants. On December 7, 1941, the bombing of Pearl Harbor convinced the United States to join the Allies in their fight for freedom in World War II. Within days, the patriotic young George, only sixteen years old, wanted to get into the fight. He forged his birth certificate and joined the U.S. Navy. After a quick boot camp, he began service on a Navy destroyer; and
Whereas, after VJ Day and the end of the war, George returned home but eventually reenlisted and served in the Korean Conflict. He served aboard many ships during that deployment. During the course of his military service, he was involved in battles that took him from the North Atlantic to the Pacific, and over time he traveled the world; and
Whereas, after returning from war, George met his wife, June, and on February 12, 1954, they married and enjoyed more than sixty years of marital happiness until her passing; and
Whereas, George learned the newspaper business and served in various positions for several newspapers in Rockland County. Later, he also served as a union delegate; and
Whereas, in 1976, George and his partner opened a small printing company called Pronto Press. During this period of his life, George served his community as president of the Suffern Chamber of Commerce, Suffern Lions Club, and Suffern Rotary Club. In addition, he was active in many service and military organizations such as the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, and VFW and American Legion posts in both New York and South Carolina; and
Whereas, in April 1989, George Parness was elected mayor of Suffern, New York, a position in which he served for five terms. He went on to be elected to the Rockland County Legislature, where he served two terms as a county legislator; and
Whereas, in recognition of his spirit of excellence and dedicated service, George Parness was granted various honors from the U.S. military, U.S. Congress, New York State Governor George Pataki, and numerous New York State and Rockland County legislators. Further, the Village of Suffern Community Center was named in his honor by the Village of Suffern mayor and trustees; and
Whereas, after the 1997 sale of Pronto Press and the expiration of his terms of elected office, George and June retired in Myrtle Beach with their sons, Andrew and Adam. George continued to stay active in Myrtle Beach and Horry County politics and volunteered in several positions within the Horry County Republican Party, among other groups; and
Whereas, George Parness leaves to treasure his memory his sons Andrew (Dorothy) Parness and Adam (April) Parness, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. A man who spent his entire life serving others, he will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the death of George Joseph Parness of Myrtle Beach and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Andrew Parness for the family.
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