Donald James Parnell, 64, peacefully passed away in the loving arms of his wife and children November 27, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 23rd, 1947 in Revere, Mass., son of Harold and Ann Parnell. He was raised and educated in Revere, graduated from Bentley College in 1972, and received his Master’s Degree from New Hampshire college in 1985. He also served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve. Don married Ann Calabro in 1972. They later moved to first Derry, then Chester, where they resided for 34 years and raised their children, Brian and Erica.
He began his career in finance with the State Street Bank and later worked at Digital Equipment Corporation. He then moved on to a well-respected career in state and municipal finance administration. He worked for the State of New Hampshire Legislative Budget Office, Hillsborough County, the City of Franklin and, most recently, for the Town of Newmarket. Don was an active member of the Chester community, serving as both town and school district treasurer, and budget committee member for several years. He served as the past president and a member of the NH Government Finance Officers Association. Don also lent his talents as a volunteer for several town projects. He was a youth baseball coach and a volunteer official for the McIntyre Ski Team in Manchester. In addition, he served many years with the Chester Lions Club. He was most comfortable on his boat at Lake Winnipesaukee or at his camp at Alton. Earlier in his life he was an avid skier. His other passions included his family – especially his four grandchildren, automobiles, the New England Patriots, golf, and dining out with his wife and friends. He will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, Grampy, brother, and loyal friend to the hundreds of people he touched in his life.
He is survived by his wife, Ann, of Chester; his son, Brian Parnell, and his wife Elizabeth and grandsons Andrew, Nicholas, and Noah of Framingham, Mass.; his daughter, Erica Paradis, and her husband Edward and granddaughter Eliza, of Hampton, N.H.; his sister Diane Arciero and her husband Richard, of Newburyport, Mass., and nieces Danielle and Kristen. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, and many cousins. He will be remembered by his pal and devoted dachshund Fenway. He was predeceased by his brother David and his parents.
Calling hours were held on Thursday, December 1st from 4 – 8pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Friday at 10:00am in Holy Cross Church, 187 Hampstead Rd., Derry. A committal service followed in Great Hill Cemetery in Chester. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01710.