Beatrice H. Parulis, 83, known lovingly to family and friends as Bea, passed away peacefully April 27, 2026, at home surrounded by her devoted family.
She was born Sept. 24, 1942, in Philadelphia, a daughter of the late Joseph and Genevieve Sabatelli.
Bea lived a life defined by love, devotion and quiet strength. After meeting her husband, Michael, the couple moved to Newark and settled in Port Monmouth in 1969, where they built a warm and welcoming home and raised their family. She was a proud and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and her family was always at the center of her life. Those who knew her will remember her as kind, friendly and selfless, with a generous spirit and a gentle heart that touched everyone around her.
Bea stayed at home to raise her family, and she embraced that role with great pride and dedication. She took joy in caring for her children, her home and the many little moments that made family life so meaningful. After her children were grown, she worked at the Wilson Ave. Deli for many years, where her friendly nature and warm personality made her a familiar and beloved presence. She formed lasting connections throughout her life and was cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Family meant everything to Bea, and she found her greatest happiness in being a mother and grandmother. Her home was a place of comfort, and her presence brought reassurance and joy to those around her. She will be remembered for the way she nurtured her family with patience, devotion and unconditional love.
In addition to her family life, Bea enjoyed many activities that brought her happiness and companionship. She liked playing bingo, tap dancing, and spending time with friends through her bowling league at Harmony Bowling. She was even a contestant on the show “Bowling for Dollars,” a memory that reflected her fun-loving spirit and willingness to enjoy life. She was a longtime member of the Middletown Elks Ladies Auxiliary, where she shared in friendship and community.
Bea was predeceased in 2020 by her beloved husband of 58 years, Michael Parulis, and in 2024 by their son, Michael Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Parulis, and her sons and daughters-in-law, William and Dina Parulis and Mark and Alexis Parulis. She also leaves behind her brother William Sabatelli and his wife Shirley, along with 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her lifelong friends, the McInnes family – Barbara, Laura, Dennis, Randy and David – who shared in her life and held a special place in her heart.
Bea’s life was a beautiful example of devotion to family, kindness to others, and appreciation for the simple joys that make a life well-lived. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Friends and relatives paid their respects April 30 and May 1 at Scott & Kedz Home for Funerals. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 1 at St. Catherine’s Church, Middletown. Burial and committal followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.
The article originally appeared in the May 7 – 13, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
