Pamela Francesca Parlapiano's Obituary
Pamela Francesca Parlapiano passed away peacefully September 19, 2024 after a brief illness. Born on April 23, 1943 in the Bronx, NY to Silvio and Francesca Parlapiano, Pam is survived by her two sons, Michael and Robert (Libbet) McKeon; her four cherished granddaughters, Isabella, Natalie, Kate, and Serena; her brothers Alan (Cathy) and Jim (Lisa) Parlapiano; and her loving nieces and nephews.
Pam was known for her passion for life, her sharp humor, and her love of hosting gatherings with her wide and varied circle of friends. An accomplished documentary photographer, she traveled to over 36 countries, capturing images of villagers affected by Hansen’s Disease (f/k/a leprosy) as part of global efforts to reintegrate these communities into society. Her Quest for Dignity series toured the world, including the United Nations where it earned recognition from Secretary-General Kofi Annan. She also did many women’s empowerment speaking engagements and workshops, as well as teaching photography in Europe and Asia.
Her career began with the Martin Luther King’s Dream series in Washington, D.C., which was featured at the Corcoran Gallery and other prominent institutions across the country. Ever a New Yorker at heart, Pam also worked with homeless organizations, capturing the beauty and humanity in everyone she met. Pam’s love for India, where she traveled more than 30 times, inspired a family and friends trip in 2007. Her desire for meaningful work sent her to Ethiopia, where she established a daycare and school for children of women who had previously no other choice but to bring them to unsafe workplaces—an initiative that became a model for other regions.
A ceremony to celebrate her life will be held in New York City in the spring of 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to IDEA.
IDEA
P.O. Box 991
Townsend, MA 01469 USA
978-386-0048
[email protected]
www.ideaadvocates.org
Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service of Bunnell, FL is assisting the family with arrangements.
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