It's a GREAT DAY to GIVE!

Tributes to Teddy

We'd like to hear from any of you that have a memory of Teddy you'd like to add to this tribute.
Click here to add your personal written tribute to Teddy Parrilla. We review each entry individually, and ask at least 5 days before posting to the site.

2008-04-19
—Marty Gross
Hi Teddy, I miss you very much and truly hope you are proud of what all of us at YOUR Fund are doing in your name to help other children. Guess it is back and we are going to pick another child that goes to Sachem North for you to present with an opportunity to go to college with the 2nd anual college scholarship from The Teddy Fund. I always think about you and love you dearly. Mom is OK and very proud of you. Terry, Jimmy, Donna, Butch, Mom and Dad and even Tara along with a little help from me, are having fun doing things for you and other children. Thanks for the SPECIAL gift you and mom gave me, "devotion and love" For others. It has changed my life forever. You are the only one who ever did that for me, so I am gratefull eternally. Keep watching, you will see some great things that will make you proud of us all at The Teddy Fund. Love You, Marty (Your Buddie)

2008-04-04
—THE MILLERS
GOD BLESS YOU ON YOUR SECOND ANNIVERSARY IN HEAVEN. THERE IS NOT A DAY THAT GOES BY THAT YOUR NOT TALKED/THOUGHT ABOUT IN OUR HOME...YOU ARE STILL AND ALWAYS WILL BE LOVED AND MISSED BY ALL OF US. FOREVER IN OUR THOUGHTS, PRAYERS AND HEARTS...LOVE BUTCH, DONNA, ASHLEY AND KEITH XXXOOO

2007-10-20
—BUTCH, DONNA, ASHLEY & KEITH
HEY DUDE, JUST WANTED TO WISH YOU A HAPPY BIRTHDAY. WE HOPE HEAVEN IS THROWING YOU A BIG BLAST. WE REALLY MISS YOU, ITS JUST NOT THE SAME WITHOUT YOU, BUT WE KNOW SOME DAY WE WILL MEET AGAIN. YOUR SMILE KEEPS US ALL GOING, AS THERE IS NOT A DAY YOUR SMILE IS NOT SEEN. WE LOVE YOU LOTS!!! PS DON'T EAT TOO MUCH ONION DIP & CHIPS AND DON'T DRINK TOO MUCH ICE TEA...HA HA...AHH WHAT THE HECK, YOUR IN HEAVEN YOU CAN DO WHATEVER IT IS YOUR LITTLE HEART DESIRES...LOVE ALWAYS AND FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS...BUTCH, DONNA, ASHLEY AND KEITH

2007-10-17
—Marty Gross
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TEDDY I really miss you and all of the good times we spent having fun. Breakfast every morning, go cart racing once in a while, Dave and Busters watching you smile every time you gobbled up all of the winning tickets. You are a great insperation to me and everyone's life that you ever touched. I am sure proud of Mom and Dad. They work hard to continue helping other children who are in trouble. God Bless You and thanks for giving me a job that pays me so much love and devotion from all of the children's lives we touch together. I love working for you and teasing your Mom all of the time. She is a real champ and I know she misses you as I do. You are the son I never had and I love you always as if you were my very Own son. Every day I think of how to help others so they also get to meet you and your blessings that are passed on to those children We help along the way. You can look down and be very proud of Mom and Dad because they changed your room around a little and now guess who hogs the big screen TV. Right ITS DAD, but I guess that also brings Him closer to You. I have learned a lot from you, being I am a lot older then you, I never knew I had so much to learn about giving. I thank you with all of my heart for the job you gave me. Hope you are as proud of me as I am of you and your parents. You finally got Your parents,even though you are a lot younger then they are, They are forced to look up to you, GOOD JOB TEDDY. I Love You Lots Teddy And Always Will, Your Step Dad And Buddy. Marty

2007-09-29
—the Valentino's Teddy's Cousins
There is not a day that goes bye where we don't miss seeing that smile or hearing that laugh. We are all truly blessed for knowing this amazing kid. When you think of words like courage,loyalty,and love you automatically think of Little Teddy. We always knew how special he truly was. Our parents had this special bond (as well as our whole family) with Teddy and we always asked "how's Teddy doing?" We think Uncle Louie and Aunt Toni went to heaven to get their little pals room ready. WE miss him and always look to him as an example of COURAGE because no matter what he went through he always had a smile and a joke. We miss and love you and you'll always be "Our Little Teddy."

2007-07-03
—Tara LoCascio
I want to Thank The Teddy Fund for picking me for the $5000.00 dollar scholarship and to let you know how honored I am. I signed up for Suffolk Community College and I will be starting on Aug 27, 2007, to begin my journey to become a teacher, I will get my Masters in Special Education so I can help children to succeed just as I did..... I had never given up hope,just as Teddy never gave up. The harder everything was no matter what, the harder we tried.. Teddy and My Nephew Michael who passed away March 18, 2007 after battling Medulloblastoma cancer twice,they have really been an inspiration too me.. Again I thank you all from the bottom of my Heart. Thanks Teddy!!!!

2007-06-27
—Tara LoCascio
I want to Thank the Teddy Fund for the Scholarship that was awarded to me and I am honored to be the First. I just came home from registering at Suffolk Community College and my first day is Aug 27, 2007. It was a very exciting day for me and I feel Teddy will be there with me every day as I begin my journey in College.... But I will always remember his happy go lucky, everything is okay attitude. I will keep you informed of my progress as each year passes...Again I Thank you from the bottom of my Heart.

2007-02-26
—Erica
Memorable Day 11/7/2006 By Erica On March 22 of 2006, Teddy Parrilla past away. This day changed my life and was one of the most memorable days that I have ever experienced. Teddy was a friend of mine for a couple years and had a heart of gold. He was a short young man, who was at the young age seventeen when he died. Even though he had brain tumors and cancer for his entire life, he was always looking on the bright side of every situation, whether it was a good one or a bad one. In having the cancer and a tumor, his hormones were affected and he stopped growing at a very young age, but Teddy was always like that big kid who I could go to if I just wanted to have a good time. His personality was astonishing…he would make everyone smile, he would listen to anything and everything I had to say, he would know exactly what to say to make me feel better, and he would love to just hang out and watch the races with me. The day that I lost him was a day that I will never forget. On the twenty-second of March I was in school and deep down I knew that it was going to be his last day. I didn't want to believe it because there was a chance I was going to see him on Saturday at the benefit show we were holding for him. He was in the hospital and wasn't doing to well, he was on the life support. All day I kept calling my mother and crying to her on the phone that I wanted to know what was going on. She kept telling me that he was still with us, she kept telling me not to worry about it, she kept telling me to go on with my day, she kept telling me to relax and stop crying, but I still spent the remainder of the school day crying, it was terrible. I took the bus home with fear that when I walked in the door my mom was going to be crying. As I stepped off the bus and walked into my house I saw her in the kitchen with her back to me. She turned around and looked at me with a great amount of sorrow and I knew right away what she was going to say. I fell to my knees and held my face while tears of grief fell into them. I had the sudden feeling of being lost without the help of anyone. My mom ran over to me, but I didn't want to hear anything she had to say, I needed to be alone. I went upstairs, went into my brothers room, went to the window that I have looked out of so many times, and went into a state of sadness that was almost unbearable. I sat there for a while and thought of all the times we spent together and how I wouldn't be able to see that smile again. I knew that all of the holidays would be strange without him. I think that day stuck with me so well because it affected the rest of my life up until now in a significant way. That horrible day, I also got extremely frustrated with God and kept asking him why he would take someone from this earth that had the biggest heart. After that day I stopped going to church, stopped eating, stopped sleeping, and stopped wanting to get up every morning. I got very sick and just went into a mind set that I was right about my choices concerning God and church. This went on for a month and it took a long talk from my dad for me to realize that it was a good thing he was gone, a good thing that he wasn't in pain anymore, a good thing that he was in a better place, a good thing that he could watch over me and guide me. He also showed me that I was being selfish for wanting him back here with me. That day brought me tremendously closer to God, on a spiritual and emotional level. I gained more respect for life and that is something that is important to me that I know Teddy would have wanted me to learn. Even though this memorable day wasn't such a happy one, I know that losing him wasn't a terrible thing. I still think about him, I think about his smile, I think about how much I miss him, and I think about him when I watch races, but it is good that I got to spend the time that I did with him. I am grateful for the times that we hung out and laughed together and they are days I will never forget. March 22 of 2006, is a day that will never be forgotten and will live on with me for the rest of my life, because I know that every day I get a little bit closer to seeing him again. As long as I hold onto that feeling, I will remain to be okay with the fact that I lost such a good friend.

2006-05-29
—Carolyn Doxey
I will always value and treasure the time I spent with you. When you were a POE in the attendance office, I would often walk over to watch you because you were either telling the women in attendance a funny joke or you would be talking to someone who came to pick up a student. I always knew that I was in the presence of a great and warm hearted soul. Teddy, I also give you props for being in that class with all of the girls. Although you begged me to put a boy in your class, I just couldn't do it. No other boy wanted to be in the middle of a soap opera!! In all seriousness, you helped me and continue to help me be a better person each day. When I find myself getting aggravated with things, I wonder what Teddy would do in such a situation. I then remember that the best way to handle a situation is with a great big smile. Thank you for being a wonderful inspiration.

2006-05-15
—STACEY ALTHERR Newsday Staff Writer
Long fight comes to a sad end
Boy who was found to have brain tumor at 18 months old and battled a succession of problems dies at 17
In Holbrook, he was a celebrity - a catalyst for an outpouring of generosity and affection from a community impressed by his bravery and spirit.
So it was not surprising that more than 200 people came to the Church of the Good Shepherd yesterday - and 2,000 more gathered outside his former high school - to say goodbye to Teddy Parrilla.
Parrilla, 17, had battled a brain tumor since he was 18 months old and died March 22 at Stony Brook University Hospital.
"He was the most courageous boy you ever met," said family friend Lucille LaFemina of Howard Beach.
Parrilla had several surgeries as a toddler. At age 6, he had a stroke, causing partial paralysis and speech impediments. For the next 11 years, Parrilla endured at least 20 more surgeries, countless therapy sessions and rounds of debilitating medication, including chemotherapy. He finally succumbed to pancreatitis.
Mourners included neighbors, classmates and the doctors and therapists who treated him - often for free. Occupational therapist Leslie Geffner, 36, treated Parrilla at no charge for the past eight months.
"He was so sweet. His speech was limited, but he was still so funny," Geffner said.
Others spoke about Parrilla's courage, humor and zest for life, even though it was filled with doctors, hospitals and bouts of pain. During one hospital stay, Parrilla danced the macarena for the staff.
"He always brought a smile to everyone's face," said Toni Ann Buckley, 17, a neighbor and classmate.
Parrilla's parents, Anthony and Stacey, and his sister Tara, 18, were his constant support, said Marty Gross, a close family friend.
"He was like a son to me," Gross said.
Gross and others in the community rallied when the family's medical insurance ran out. Gross helped organize two doo-wop concerts; the second was held Saturday, three days after Teddy's death. Sachem school district students staged a walk-a-thon that raised $21,000.
After the Mass, a Harley-Davidson hearse led a procession of cars and motorcycles with "Teddy Fund" magnets on their trunks or teddy bears tied to their handlebars.
Sachem Superintendent Charles Murphy, who remembered seeing Parrilla greeting shoppers at a local toy store with a "contagious smile," ordered the flags at all the district's schools set at half-staff. Despite the chill in the air, students and staff stood outside Sachem North High School as the hearse passed by. Silently, they paid their final respects to a boy who was always happy and always kind.

2006-05-15
—Carolyn Hogan
Dear Stacey,Ted & Tara, Our Deepest Condolences,on the loss of you Son, Brother & My Best Friend Teddy. I Met teddy at Merimac, He would come to the office always with a big smile on his Face,I loved his Laughter,His courage and especially his strength was so amazing. I loved our talks about the hockey game we watched the night before. Teddy taugh us all so much about life. We will all miss Teddy very much. I know he is an Angel. Stacey, Ted ,and Tara, You all will be in our thoughts and Prayers Teddy We Love You & Miss You!!!! Again Our Deepest Sympathy Bob,Carolyn Hogan & Family Carolyn Hogan (Holbrook, NY ) Cazie54@aol.com

2006-05-15
— Sean McClain
March 25, 2006 God brings people into our lives for special reasons. Even though we only knew Teddy for a short time he taught us so much about life. Each person in this family is a better person because of him. I know the angels are enjoying his laughter right now. He will always remain in our hearts. God Bless. The McClain's Sean, Carolann, Kristen and Brandon Sean McClain (Coram, NY ) mcclain@optonline.net

2006-05-15
—Karen McCullagh
March 25, 2006 Our family would like to send you our deepest condolences on the loss of your son Teddy. He was an inspiration to many people, especially to my daughter Megan. Megan met Teddy at Seneca Middle School, while participating in the "Turkey Trot" fundraiser. She was amazed and in awe over his courage, strength, and love. Teddy will be missed by many people in our community. May God always be with you and your family in your time of need. Our deepest sympathy, The McCullagh Family: John, Karen, Megan and Ryan Karen McCullagh (NY ) ksmbatgirl@msn.com

2006-05-15
—Roseann Santore
March 25, 2006 Dearest Teddy, You are a shinning star. You are at peace with the angles! You will be in our prayers and thoughts always. Love to your family....Rose Roseann Santore (Mechanicville, NY ) bettyboop128@aol.com

2006-05-15
—Mary Scordio
March 25, 2006 Dear Stacey and Family I remember Teddy as one of the most adorable little boys with an infectious smile. He was in my niece Amanda's class at St. John's Nursery school and often played with my son Rocky on the playground there. It was so great to see him again when he attended Merrimac with them. I was so heartbroken to hear of his sickness and now of his passing. I'm sure he's in a better place free of the struggle and pain. My sincere sympathy to you and all your family. Teddy will be forever in our hearts and prayers. Mary Scordio (Holbrook, NY )

2006-05-15
— BUTCH, DONNA, ASHLEY
March 25, 2006 TEDDY WAS AN EXTRIODINARY YOUNG MAN. HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE AND TAUGHT US ALL SO MUCH. "OUR DUDE" WILL ALWAYS HOLD AN "EXTRA SPECIAL" PLACE IN OUR HEARTS. EVEYDAY WE WILL BE THANKFUL THAT HE WAS IN OUR LIVES FOR AS LONG AS HE WAS. WE WILL LOVE HIM ALWAYS & FOREVER!!! DEAR TEDDY THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR LIFE LESSONS!!! YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, REST IN PEACE, OUR ANGEL... UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, WE LOVE YOU...BUTCH, DONNA, ASHLEY AND KEITH. BUTCH, DONNA, ASHLEY & KEITH MILLER (SELDEN, NY ) DONASHMIL@AOL.COM

2006-05-15
—
March 30, 2006 What a special young man...it was our joy to know Teddy. The world is a sadder place without him.

2006-05-15
—Pat Cavanagh
March 30, 2006 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Parrilla and Tara, You and Teddy have always been an inspriration to me! I was so happy when I heard he was going to be in my third grade class because I knew the children would learn so much more than reading, writing and arithmetic that year. He taught us all so much. Please accept my condolences on your loss. pat cavanagh (yaphank, NY )

2006-05-15
—Beth Sagerstrand
March 29, 2006 Teddy was the kind of person you meet once and never forget. As a student in my PE class at Merrimac he was a bundle of energy. He would light up the room! Teddy always faced life with a smile, a laugh and a twinkle in his eye. He taught us all how to live! My prayers and sympathy are with the Parrilla family. Beth Sagerstrand (Holbrook, NY )

2006-05-15
—Joan Smalto
March 28, 2006 Teddy will stay in our hearts forever! While he was in my kindergarten class he brought a smile and laughter to every activity we did! He was a joy--he was a challenge--he was fun to be with and teach! God bless you Teddy! My thoughts and prayers are with you Stacey, Ted and Tara. Joan Smalto (Bay Shore, NY )

2006-05-15
—Debbie Daly
March 27, 2006 To The Dear Parrilla Family, Thanks for giving the world such a special person. Teddy was a Ray of Sunshine. The conversations I had with him at Donna & Butchs' made my visit so special. I looked forward to you all being there. He was so intelligent and wise. He had the best laugh and sense of humor. The world needs more Teddys. Heaven must have needed a wonderful person with a great personality. Teddy until we meet again you will always be in my heart and prayers. Love, Keith & Ashleys (Aunt Deb) as you called me... XXXXXXX Rest in peace.. You are with some great people there...My prayers are with all of you always... Debbie Daly (Hicksville, NY ) DLAD623@aol.com

2006-05-15
—Mandy & Freddy Mill
March 27, 2006 We feel so lucky to have gotten the chance to know Teddy! He was An AMAZING Guy, he left footprints on the hearts of so many people, and we are lucky enough to be among those people. He had a smile that would light up a room, and the laughter to go along with it. Teddy will be in our thoughts, prayers and hearts forever. He will be missed. May he rest in peace. Mandy & Freddy Miller (Middle Island, NY ) makeupchik@optonline.net

2006-05-15
—Vinny,Christine,Vincent and Gianna Sorrentino
March 26, 2006 We met Teddy 7 years ago. He was the first person to welcome us into the neighborhood with this huge smile on his face. Teddy and I would spend alot of time together. We would talk about everything. When I was pregnant with my first child I think he was more excited about it than I was. One day after my son was born he came over with all of his disney VHS tapes. There must of been about 50 of them. He loved the kids so much and they loved him. He would take long walks with me while I pushed my son in the stroller and say "Chris, whats wrong with this kid? Will he ever stop crying?"The list goes on and on. My kids are still young so it makes me sad that they won't get to know him as well as we did and to see how special he really was. We have so many great memories of Teddy which we will alwys treasure. Teddy made a big difference in out lives and he will be greatly missed. I will be lonely without him for a while untill I get used to the fact that he's gone. We will never, ever forget him. Come and visit us soon Ted, our door is still open for you. Keep smilin' Teddy! Vinny,Christine,Vincent and Gianna Sorrentino (Holbrook, NY )

2006-05-15
— Sharon Scanlon
March 26, 2006 dear stacey and family, My family would like to give our deepest sympathy. I used to see Teddy when he used to come into the deli with his mom in the morning.he always had a sile and no matter how bad your day was you would see him and your day was brighter. He made a very important impact on my son when they did the turkey trot at seneca. Stacey and family i know that TEDDY is with angels looking down on us. God bless your family and be happy and healthy. Sharon Patrick, Collin and Diane sharon scanlon (holbrook, NY ) orcaoddball@aol.com

2006-05-15
—The Kiernan Family,
March 26, 2006 Dear Stacey & Family, Our deepest condolences, I only knew Teddy for a short time, but he always had a smile and a laugh that would brighten anyone's day. He really showed everyone what it was like to be truly happy. He will always be in our hearts and our memories forever. The Kiernan Family, Jill, John, Brendan & Patrick Jill Kiernan (Centereach, NY )

2006-05-15
—Marty Gross
March 26, 2006 I have been blessed to have Teddy as my friend and my buddy. He was almost like my son. Doing things for him and with him just made me feel proud that he is and will always be a special boy I love dearly. Watching his face glow each and every time I made a little dream come true for him, made me smile inside. The Doo Wop show was great tonight and I know he was watching all of us. Im sure he was very proud of what we all did. I will always be there and will continue to help make The Teddy Fund with all your help, more successfull every year as we grow and help others. I have a gift no one can ever take away from me. Trying in my own way to make his life a better place gave me something most would never understand. Love, Marty Gross (Holbrook, NY ) TheTeddyFund@aol.com

2006-05-15
—Marty Gross
Teddy Now Drives The Teddy Fund And Our Success Is Only Because Teddy Gives All Of Us At The Teddy Fund The Need, The Drive, And The Desire To Help Other Children. We Will All Work Hard To Try And Be A Little Like Teddy. He Is A Pretty Hard Act To Follow. He Was A Great Influence On My Life And I Love Him Now And Will Always. I Hope Some Day I Can Strive To Be As Brave In Life As He Was. We All Love You Teddy. GOD BLESS

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