It was a rock-star reception for World War II Navy veteran Dalis DeParis!

As this year’s Veterans Day Parade grand marshal, he grinned and waved to parade-goers while rolling through the city as a passenger in a convertible. His grandsons preceded him, walking with a banner announcing his war service … and his age: an incredible 102 years old!

Parade-watchers applauded and cheered, with many yelling out to him, “Thank you for your service!”

DeParis – a petty officer second class – served from 1942 to 1945 on P.T. boats and received numerous recognitions and medals for his time in the military. His brothers served at the same time: Augastine in the U.S. Army (1942-45) and Michael in the U.S. Navy (1941-61) aboard the USS Missouri.

DeParis was also recognized during the veterans ceremony at Walnut Grove Cemetery where he briefly spoke, acknowledging that the “true heroes” are the men and women who never came home from war.

Following the day’s events, veterans and DeParis’ family enjoyed a luncheon at the American Legion, catered by J. Brian’s Restaurant and Pub of Lawrence.

DeParis, a longtime Methuen resident, was an electrician by trade. He and now-late wife Virginia raised three girls and one boy. Dalis also has six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was very active at the Plainsman Community Center in Lawrence and was an avid golfer at Merrimack Country Club.

DeParis’ son-in-law Paul DeVeau tells MethuenLife, “He was definitely honored to be (in the parade) and took a lot of pride in it.”