Jewish Community News

Newsbriefs: February 2008

Nathan Parees

Nathan Parees, 87, died peacefully at home on November 17, 2007, with his family by his side. 
    Nat was born in New York City, September 20, 1920, to Esther and Max Parees. His great love of music led him to become a DJ at a local radio station, spinning records for teen dances in his neighborhood. He was a World War II veteran, where he marched with Patton’s Third Army. When he returned home, he met and married his beloved bride, Lillian Schwartz.  They raised 3 children, as well as foster children in their  Levittown, Long Island home.
    Nat had a successful career as a professional purchasing agent in New York and then took his talents to Silicon Valley in 1974. He was always on a quest for knowledge and was an avid reader. He also enjoyed music, handball, golf, racquetball, and especially gardening. He had to have his home-grown tomatoes every year. Trained initially as a cabinetmaker and upholsterer by his father, he continued his love of working with his hands and spent many hours in his garage shop. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends, of which he had many.
    With Lillian by his side, they made life-long friends in the Jewish community through their involvement in the Idle Hour social group from Temple Emanu-El in San Jose and at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center. Nat and Lil both volunteered at the Jewish Community Center, serving meals to other seniors and helping out wher-ever they were needed. They were honored for their service to the community in 1990.
     Nat was always willing to help anyone who needed it. He was a great listener and a caring, compassionate man with a wonderful sense of humor. Even in his final days, he always had to tell a joke. Everyone who ever met him liked him. He will be greatly missed.
      Nat is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lillian Parees, his son Jack Parees and his wife Barbra, son David Parees, daughter Barbara Katz, foster daughter Anne Korngreen, and beloved grandchildren, Marc Parees, Jordan Katz, Josh Parees, Benjamin Parees, and Aaron Parees. A private family service was held in his memory. Donations in his memory can be sent to Heartland Hospice, 2005 De la Cruz Blvd. #271, Santa Clara, CA 95050.