Charles Lawrence Parcell

1925 - 2018

Charles Lawrence Parcell

Gilbert - Charles Lawrence Parcell, 92, passed away on April 4, 2018, at Sunrise Gilbert in Gilbert, AZ. He was born on September 2, 1925, in Taos, NM, to Charlie W. Parcell and Laura Redman Parcell. Charles (Larry) grew up in New Mexico and Atchison, KS, graduating from high school in 1941. He was awarded a B.A. from Benedictine College in 1945 and completed academic work towards an M.A. in Sociology at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO. Immediately after college he worked as a juvenile court probation officer. In 1948 be began work as a salesman for Blue Cross/Blue Shield, SW. Over the 42 years he worked there, he held numerous management and executive positions, rising to the level of Senior Vice President of Blue Shield, CA. Larry worked with tireless energy and vision. He designed a preventive care model called Health Track in the 1980's, long before insurance companies were embracing the concept. After he retired from Blue Shield he taught frequent seminars in marketing at Purdue and Lehigh Universities and traveled as a public speaker.

Larry married Alice Cole Martindale (Marty) in 1951 in Santa Fe, NM. They were happily married for 66 years. In addition to being the father of four children, Larry was involved in his church and his community. He worked with Catholic Youth Organization and other Catholic Charities. He was elected to City Council in Yorktown Heights, NY. An Eagle Scout himself, he was active in scouting with his sons. He combined his passion for flying with public service in the Civil Air Patrol. His many interests included archaeology, silver smithing, golf, fishing and gardening. He entertained friends and family with stories and a keen sense of humor.

Larry was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Mary Parcell, and his brother, Hale Dougherty. He is survived by his wife, Marty, of Gold Canyon, AZ, his daughter, Laura Carrico of Gold Canyon, AZ, his sons Dwight (Celeste) Parcell of Gold Canyon, AZ and Kevin Parcell of Costa Rica, his sister, Hyda Maria Dougherty of Santa Fe, NM , and his grandchildren, Larry Djinis, Alex Djinis and Katie Carrico.

A funeral mass for the family will be celebrated on April 23, 2018. A celebration of Larry's life will be held at Sonoran Skies Mortuary, 5650 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85205, at 11am on April 24, 2018. Family will greet family and friends following this service. Burial will take place in Truro, MA, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Integrity Hospice of Gold Canyon or another charity. Condolences may be left on Charles Lawrence Parcell's online guest book at www.sonoranskiesmortuaryaz.com.