Hall Of Fame Honored Member Of Steelers Organization Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA — Tony Parisi, the Steelers longtime equipment manager who was recognized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, died Dec. 5. He was 91.

Parisi joined the organization in 1965 and remained with the team until 1996. According to a 2022 profile of him on the Steelers website, he had a method of tailoring uniforms and used two-way carpet tape on shoulder pads to keep jerseys tight. He often helped players with customized cleats, shoes and any kind of equipment to help them with their on-field play.

In 2022, Parisi was one of the initial recipients of the Hall of Fame's Awards of Excellence, which honor four categories of personnel who contribute to a team's success: assistant coaches, athletic trainers, equipment managers and public relations staff.

At the time, Steelers owner Art Rooney II said of Parisi: "People would be amazed how much he meant to those guys in the 70s, getting them ready to play every week and making a pad, making shoes work. All the little stuff makes a difference."

Arrangements are being handled by Slater Funeral Service in Scott Township.