(May 16, 1941-March 22, 2026) - When Richard “Dick” Parnitzke first walked into a night class at University at Buffalo in 1971, he had no idea that a simple brochure would change the entire trajectory of his life. That brochure introduced him to Delta Sigma Pi and later led to his initiation into Alpha Kappa Chapter. Over the next 50-plus years of his life, Delta Sigma Pi introduced him to the mentors, the friendship and the leadership lessons that would shape him both personally and professionally.

Parnitzke was the grandson of a Prussian-German immigrant, the son of a Buffalo laborer, and understood from his family’s history that nothing worth having came without hard work. He was drawn to the mentorship and professional skills the Fraternity offered, which combined well with his college education.

Dick was a young man then, working long hours, grinding through night college classes, and trying to carve out a future in the unforgiving world of American car manufacturing. During his over 30 years at General Motors, the ongoing trials and tribulations associated with the high-stakes pressure of keeping production lines alive taught him endurance.

But it was Delta Sigma Pi that taught Parnitzke how to lead. He learned skills that would carry him through every crisis, every shutdown, every impossible deadline.  And he learned that leadership was never about the title. It was about the people.

Those lessons carried him from a night-school pledge to Grand President of Delta Sigma Pi (1983-1985) in just 12 years – and they carried him through decades of service as a Regional Director (now Regional Vice President), District Director, Leadership Foundation Trustee, Director of Alumni Activities, and lifelong ambassador for the Fraternity he loved. He was honored for his service with the 1997 Lifetime Achievement Award, which is the highest honor any member can receive for their exemplary support, service, and leadership to the Fraternity.

His impact in the Fraternity is still felt today through his work developing training guides for leaders, as well as advocating for educational programs, like LEAD events, that exist today.

Dick never forgot the brothers who guided him – especially PGP Franklin Tober, who once looked across a bar table and told him, with quiet certainty, “You’re going to be Grand President someday.”

Tober saw something in him: the grit, the heart, the instinct for teamwork that defined true Deltasig leadership. And Dick spent the rest of his life paying that gift forward.

He mentored hundreds of young brothers. He pushed them, encouraged them, challenged them, and celebrated them. He believed in them long before they believed in themselves.

Executive Director Jeremy Levine said, “Richard played an important role in the progress and success of the Fraternity, and his impact is still felt today. We are very grateful for his many years of service as a leader and his support of Delta Sigma Pi.”

Brother Parnitzke often said Delta Sigma Pi gave him more than he could ever repay, but anyone who knew him would tell you the opposite. He gave the Fraternity his time, his talent, his heart, and his belief in the power of brotherhood.

Dick is quoted from the 2019 article, "The Road to Happiness: Catching Up With PGP and "Deltasig for Life" Dick Parnitzke" saying:

"I think I learned early on that Fraternity leadership isn't about you – it’s about helping the younger members to thrive and enjoy success in their careers, while also enjoying the friendships and the camaraderie that are an essential part of life as a Deltasig."

We thank PGP Richard “Dick” Parnitzke for his contributions to the legacy of Delta Sigma Pi. If interested his family has asked any donations in his memory be made to Hospice of the Valley or the Delta Sigma Pi Leadership Foundation.

Celebration of Life Events for PGP Richard “Dick” Parnitzke are planned in Phoenix and Buffalo:

Phoenix, AZ - May 23, 2026:

11 a.m. service followed by a light lunch

The Church of Litchfield Park

300 N. Old Litchfield Road

Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

This will also be streamed via the church YouTube channel. 

Buffalo, NY – July 18, 2026:

Noon to 3 p.m. hors d'oeuvre will be served

The service will be at 1 p.m.

J’s White Elephant

404 Abbott Road

Lackawanna, NY 14218