Sgt. Michael F. Paranzino

FT. DRUM, NY ? Sgt. Michael F. Paranzino, US Army, 22, formerly of Middletown, RI, was Killed in Action on Friday, November 5, 2010 serving his country in Kandahar, Afghanistan.He was the husband of Lindsey Christopher Paranzino and father of Maxton and Logan. Born in Newport, RI on December 4, 1987, he was the son of Francis Butch and Melane C. Paranzino of Middletown.Michael was a 2006 graduate of Middletown High School. A year after his graduation he enlisted in the Army and was a cavalry scout with the 1st Squadron, 71st Calvary Regiment. After his basic training he was stationed at Fort Drum in 2008 and was deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom just a few months later. In 2010 Michael was sent to Afghanistan to support Operation Enduring Freedom. He was recognized with more than 10 decorations for his military service just after three-plus years, including the Army Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Combat Action Badge. He grew up in the St. Lucys Parish community where he was baptized, participated in CCD classes and was confirmed.While he was a student at Middletown High School, Michael made trips to Nicaragua in January of 2005 and 2006 with the Northeast Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity NEVOSH to provide humanitarian support to the disadvantaged and poor in Catarina and Nandasmo, Nicaragua. These trips provided life-expanding experiences for Michael and were the precursor to many of the values he believed in along with the leadership skills that he displayed as an Army Sergeant. He is survived by his wife Lindsey, his sons Logan and Maxton Paranzino of Fort Drum, NY, his parents Francis and Melane Paranzino, and his brother Daniel F. Paranzino of Middletown, RI. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 14, 2010, from 4pm to 8pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. His funeral will be held on Monday, November 15, 2010, at 9:30, from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30, in St. Lucys Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown. Burial with full military honors will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. Donations in his memory may be made to N.E.V.O.S.H., c/o Carl Sakovits, 191 America Way, Jamestown, R.I. 02835.