VALE LUI PARRELLA

Lui Parrella commenced his journey with our company in August 1977 (Direct Drainage) as its inaugural employee and remained dedicated for an impressive span of 32 years, until his retirement in 2009.

Lui’s professional journey intertwined with Spiro Georgiou while working at Lyons & Pierce, where their association grew into a strong friendship. Even after Lui’s retirement from Georgiou, they maintained a deep bond throughout the years. It was their mutual trust in each other that led to Lui joining Direct Drainage at its inception. Leaving an established business for a startup venture was undoubtedly a challenging decision, but their faith and confidence in each other overcame any doubts.

During the formative years of 1977 to 1985, Lui excelled as a Site Supervisor, undertaking the construction of numerous residential and industrial estates in Perth, including notable projects such as Kingsley, Leeming, Woodvale, and Ellenbrook, among others. Lui’s expertise and guidance also aided the early education in civil construction for Spiro’s sons Jim and John Georgiou, who actively engaged in on-site learning during their teenage and young adult years.

Lui Parrella progressed to the role of Site Superintendent, overseeing multiple work crews and successfully completing various projects in Perth, including the renowned Ellenbrook Estate, Mandurah Ocean Marina, and several significant undertakings for the Water Corporation, such as the Binningup Desalination to Harvey MSCL Trunk Water Pipeline and Shoalwater to Rockingham infill sewerage programme servicing more than 2,000 homes.

Notably, Lui’s impact extended beyond project management. He took on the responsibility of educating and training generations of Georgiou’s machine operators, pipe layers, surveyors, and engineers. Many of these individuals remain with Georgiou to this day, carrying forward the principles of integrity and workmanship instilled by Lui Parrella in both their professional and personal lives.

Lui is survived by his wife Anna, daughters Carmela, Antionetta and Maria, sons-in-law Peter, Robert and Jason and grandchildren James, Alex, Anthony, Courtney, Carisse, Cooper and Mason.

As we bid farewell to Lui, it is with deep reverence that we acknowledge the indelible mark he has left on our organisation and its people. May he rest in peace, knowing that his commitment and legacy shall endure within Georgiou, serving as a guiding light for all who follow in his footsteps.