David Winfield Parmelee

1942 - 2021

David Winfield Parmelee, 78, of West Hartford, CT died peacefully at home on April 20, 2021 surrounded by his family. He fought a courageous and graceful battle with multiple health challenges. He was born on July 5, 1942 in Hartford, CT to the late Constance and Leland Parmelee. David graduated from Bulkeley High School and went on to receive a BA degree from Bates College and an MBA from Boston University. He served as a Lt. J G in the United States Navy. Following his naval service, he returned to Connecticut where he began a long and distinguished career in banking. He worked for Connecticut Bank and Trust Company, Bank of New England, Fleet Bank, and the Trust Company of Connecticut. David's professional career was only a small portion of the person he was. David will be remembered as a kind and compassionate man with a strong commitment to the service of others. He was a philanthropist who committed his time, knowledge, and financial acumen to many organizations, including The Jacob L. and Lewis Fox Foundation, Bates College, Grace Cottage Hospital of VT, St. Francis Hospital, Emanuel Lutheran Church, Duncaster, and the H. A. Vance Foundation. He will be deeply missed by his friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. While often serious and stoic in his public persona, David's wit, sense of humor, smile, and great laugh were the cherished gifts he shared with his family and closest friends. Perhaps his favorite role was as a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. His grandchildren brought a smile to his face and a twinkle to his eye. To them he will always be their "Boppa". David is survived by his wife of 50 years, Arlene Johanson Parmelee; his sister Anne Rollins of Hartford; his daughters: Sarah Parmelee and fiancé, Jeff Potter of Bloomfield, CT; Laura (Parmelee) and Tim Simpson of Silver Spring, MD; Hannah (Parmelee) and Patrick Boyaggi of Arlington, MA; and six grandchildren Meghan, Will, and Tommy Simpson; Noah, Connor and Graham Boyaggi. Thank you to all the caregivers that provided compassionate care over these past few years, especially McLean Hospice and his caregivers Mary and Sheryl. A memorial service honoring David's memory will be held at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Hartford on Saturday, May 1st at 11am. A private burial with the family will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations: Emanuel Lutheran Church of Hartford, CT, emanuelhartford.org; The Grafton Community Church of Grafton, VT, graftoncommunitychurch.org ; The H. A. Vance Foundation of West Hartford, CT, 65 LaSalle Rd. Suite 405, West Hartford CT 06107; and McLean Hospice, mcleancare.org (support us).Online condolences and the service recording, please visit www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com