Photo courtesy of Curran-Jones Funeral Home - West Springfield
West Springfield, Massachusetts
Jul 22, 1946 – Oct 6, 2023
Peter C. Parmenter
1946 - 2023
West Springfield
Peter "Pete" Carl Parmenter passed away Friday morning at his home in West Springfield after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. His loving wife of 23 years, Diane was at his side. He was 77-years-old.
Pete was born on July 22 1946 in Boston Massachusetts. He was adopted by Ruth (Bowen) and E. Carl Parmenter. Pete attended Chelmsford High School where he was a proud member of its undefeated football team. He went on to Bridgeton Academy and Tufts University. Football was a life-long passion and he never missed a chance to yell at his beloved Patriots.
Pete also loved the ocean, believing that the best moments were spent with the sound of waves in the background. The best moments of his golden years were spent with Diane in Savannah GA, and holidays at his beloved Key West.
Professionally, Pete was always a "lumberman" and was proud of having worked his way from unloading rail cars, to working in management. As a young man, he worked at Webber's Cash and Carry. He was a traveling salesman for George McQuesten, Inc. He eventually sold lumber by the boxcar from the office. His final job was a Marketing Specialist for the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau, making presentations and answering questions for those in the field. Pete's love of lumber was always present. His favorite toast for any occasion, said with a wide smile, was "baby trees."
Pete was a Navy veteran. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served with the Naval Submarine division during the Vietnam War. Spending 2 years on active duty and 4 years in the Reserves.
In addition to his wife, Pete leaves his son Brad and his granddaughter Emily. Pete was a beloved Grandpa to Nicole, Chad, CJ and Dylan LaBonte and is also survived by many beloved step children, grandchildren, niece and nephew.
The committal service will be held in the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery on Tuesday, Oct. 17th at 2:00pm. The West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home is handling all arrangements. For online condolences please visit curranjones.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation of a tree to the Arbor Foundation.www.shop.arborday.org/commemorative-trees-in-memory, or a donation to the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research www.lustgarten.org/lustgarten/foundation.
Peter grew up in my neighborhood, so I knew him from first grade on. We all seemed at times more like family. My husband Terry and I were Chelmsford High School classmates of Peter, and he was a treasured old friend. Thoughts of him always bring a smile to our faces, and we are so sorry to hear that he became so sick and passed away. Our deepest condolences go to his family.
Lynne (Marshall) McSheehy
April 30, 2024 | North Chelmsford, MA | Neighbor
When we met, I was a young know-it-all kid. Pete taught me the ways of an older gentleman. Many silent unspoken looks and others were direct when I was being rude. Just what I needed, his lessons still guide me daily. We spoke of all things and he spoke most fondly of Diane and Brad! I would give much for one more chat with my friend. It became very rainy today in Oregon this morning, after learning of his passing. He has been on my heart and mind for the last couple of weeks. I printed off...
Tyler "Spencer" Burnard | Portland, Oregon
October 24, 2023 | Friend
So many memories and so many laughs. I worked with Peter at the Cedar Bureau for about 12 years. We attended many trade shows and meetings together. He always found the best places to eat and met the best locals. We would often meetup in airports and he would walk through the crowds with his hand raised so I could find him, as height was not his strong point. His love of dogs and kind and generous heart will always hold special memories for me. He was one of the good guys. Diane he always...
Kelly Vaille
October 23, 2023 | Friend
Single Tree
Cathy and Peter
October 17, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Gale Kelly
October 16, 2023 | Savannah, GA | Friend
My husband and I worked with Pete for many years at McQuesten Co and he was a good soul. The customers and suppliers liked him and he had a great sense of humor. Rest in Peace Pete
Liz & Terry Ritz
October 14, 2023 | Work
Thinking of you Diane keep close the wonderful memories of Pete in your heart.
Christina and Thomas Reed
October 14, 2023 | West Bridgewater, MA
Peter’s wit and, in particular, his laugh made you want to be around him to keep your day pleasant and positive!. I always valued his perspective on people and life in general. He was a great work partner and will be sorely missed. Rip brother!!
Greg Tuttle
October 13, 2023 | Albany, NY | Coworker
I love Pete he was always funny and pleasant to be around. We missed him when he moved away. RIP Pete.❤
Linda
October 13, 2023 | Savannah, GA | Friend
