Robert “Bob” Paroli, age 90, died peacefully at home with his family on February 7, 2022. He was the beloved husband for 67 years of the late Billie Dove Paroli. Bob was the father of Tony (Pam) Paroli, Michael (Wendy) Paroli, and Terri (Tom) Koesters. He is also survived by and lovingly called “Poppy” by his eight grandchildren: Chris, Will, Jessica, Rosie, John, Tori, Tommy, and Gina.
Bob was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, on June 25, 1931. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1950 and attended New York Military Academy as a postgraduate. He earned a football scholarship to N.C. State University in 1951. In 1953, Bob married Billie and left N.C. State to serve a 14-month tour of duty with the US Army in Korea. He returned to N.C. State in 1956, played on the 1957 ACC Championship Team and graduated in 1958.
That year, Bob embarked on a 55-year career as a teacher and head football coach. During his career, he taught science, social studies, physical education and driver education. He also coached track, wrestling, lacrosse, and girls’ basketball. The first stop in his career was Benson High School. After that, he had stops at Jacksonville High School, New York Military Academy, Wilson Fike High School, and Burlington Cummings High School.
In 1980, Bob began a highly successful 25 seasons at Douglas Byrd High School, where the stadium is named in his honor. His last stop as a head coach was at Seventy-First High School. He retired in 2012 at 81 with 403 wins and the 2008 4A State Championship. At that time, he was second in wins in state history and twelfth nationally. After retiring, Bob continued his work with young people when he joined the coaching staff at Douglas Byrd from 2015-19.
As a classroom teacher and coach, Bob taught young people many things. He taught them earth science and the history of this great nation. He taught them how to drive safely and how to work hard in the weight room. Bob taught his football teams how to win with discipline, fundamentals, and teamwork. More importantly, he taught young people about love. He taught them to love each other and to love their families. He also taught them to love the Lord. During Friday night devotionals, he implored his players to use their talents, to finish the race, and to always get out of the boat. His lessons helped his players become better sons, husbands, fathers, and productive members of society.
Bob Paroli did not just love football. He loved playing and watching golf. He loved the students and staff at the schools where he worked. He loved St Patrick Church where he attended Mass for over 40 years. He also loved dogs, especially his “Buddy”. Most importantly, Bob loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. Bob Paroli always said, “Remember Who Loves You”. We will never forget the man who loved us.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church at 2844 Village Drive, Fayetteville, NC on Wednesday, February 16 at 1:00 PM. The family will receive visitors from 11:00-12:45 PM in the gathering space of the church. There will be a eulogy at 12:45 PM prior to Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society or the Region 4 Coaches Emergency Fund.
