Pariani grew up in a working-class Italian neighborhood called The Hill in St. Louis, Missouri.
The younger of two brothers, Pariani's childhood consisted primarily of school, working at a local laundromat and playing street sports.
Some time during his career, he also played for Calcaterra and Wildcats A.C. Pariani was a St. Louis all-star selection every year from 1946 through 1953.
His success at the club level led to Pariani's selection to the U.S. soccer team at the 1948 Summer Olympics.
Four days later, he was a key part of the U.S. victory over England, maintaining good ball possession.
[4] In January 2004, Pariani and the four other living members of the 1950 World Cup Team (Walter Bahr, Frank Borghi, Harry Keough and John Souza) were recognized as Honorary All-Americas by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America at its annual convention in Charlotte, N.C.