Dear Santa Clara University Community, 

With a heavy heart I share the news that Fred Parrella, Professor Emeritus in Religious Studies, passed away on October 17. We mourn Fred’s passing and join with all his friends and colleagues in remembering him with gratitude and fondness. 

Fred served as a faculty member in the Department of Religious Studies for forty-three years before retiring in 2020.  His research interests included ecclesiology, eschatology, and the connection of Catholic theology with the philosophical theology of Lutheran theologian Paul Tillich. Fred was a beloved professor who taught innumerable undergraduates and became renowned for his course, “Theology of Marriage.” As faculty in the graduate Pastoral Ministries program, he instilled in his students a deep reverence for, in the words of Paul Tillich, faith as “ultimate concern.” He received multiple honors for his teaching, including the Brutocao Award for Teaching Excellence and the Logothetti Award for Teaching by the College of Arts and Sciences. He was named Faculty Senate Professor (2011-2012) for distinguished teaching, scholarship, and service to the University. Fred cherished the Santa Clara community, and his presence within the community was a blessing. He will remain with us in our hearts. 

Notes of condolence may be sent to Chris Kulp, care of the Philosophy Department. 

Details about services for Fred will be forthcoming.

Please keep Fred in your prayers. May he rest in peace. 

Julie Sullivan
President