Paul (Paolo) Parravano, beloved husband, father, brother, colleague, and friend, and practically an institution at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, passed away at home in Arlington, MA, on December 9, 2023, surrounded by family. His death followed a courageous 11-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Paul was the youngest child of Giuseppe and Ernesta (Paparozzi) Parravano. His father was professor of chemical engineering at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. His mother, known as Ernestina, was a well-known and respected member of the Ann Arbor community who tirelessly volunteered for many charities. Paul was born in Princeton, NJ, in 1952, three years after his family emigrated from Italy. In early childhood he lost his sight to cancer of the retina but despite this setback, he grew and flourished, with his family including Paul in all their activities.
Paul’s early education was in schools in Ann Arbor. His parents were greatly ahead of their time, insisting that Paul attend mainstream schools and instilling in him a lifelong spirit of determination that was his hallmark. After graduating from Huron High School, where he was the school’s first student-body president, Paul went on to earn a BA in political science and government from Harvard University and a law degree from Northeastern University.
In December 1990 Paul joined MIT as Assistant for Government and Community Relations, becoming Co-Director in 1997. He supported MIT’s work and mission at the local, state, and national levels by working closely with public officials, advocacy groups, and nonprofit organizations. On behalf of three MIT presidents, Paul met with government leaders in Washington, D.C., to help advance the cause of science and research. He arranged countless campus visits for dignitaries, community leaders, and schoolchildren. For three decades, he led with kindness and compassion, creating meaningful relationships with everyone around him. In June 2022, MIT honored Paul by naming him the inaugural recipient of the MIT Staff Award for Distinction in Service.
Paul sought to improve the lives of others through his service on the boards and committees of many nonprofits, notably the MIT Community Service Fund, the local chapter of the NAACP, and National Braille Press. He worked to make the world more accessible to those with disabilities, embracing new technologies and advocating for greater use of Braille in public spaces and on everything from restaurant menus to utility bills.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Martha; two adored daughters, Emily and Eleanora; three brothers, Nicola (Deborah), Carlo (Ellen), and Pietro (Joan); and an extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins both in the US and Italy. A memorial gathering will be held in early spring. In lieu of flowers, his family has requested donations to the Paul Parravano Memorial Fund at MIT, which will support research into assistive technologies. Gifts may be made using the following link: https://giving.mit.edu/paul-parravano.
