Ernest W. Parent

1934 - 2022

Brattleboro- Ernest W. "Ernie" Parent, 87, of Moreland Avenue, a lifelong resident of town, died Friday, January 21, 2022 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon following an extended period of declining health.

Ernie was born in Brattleboro on May 22, 1934, the son of George and Margaret (LaForest) Parent. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending Saint Michael's Parochial School and Brattleboro High School.

He went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and following his honorable discharge from active service, returned home and went to work at the American Optical Company on Putney Road. Ernie later became employed for the Brattleboro Department of Public Works where he retired from following 30 years of faithful service with the town.

Ernie was a member of the American Legion, Brattleboro Post #5 and was a communicant of Saint Michael's Roman Catholic Church.

Of his leisure time activities, he enjoyed rabbit and deer hunting, loved gardening, working in his yard and puttering around his home. He loved watching birds, keeping the bird feeders filled, and time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, great grandchildren and with his sister Dot in Greenfield. Ernie was also an avid Boston Red Sox fan.

Ernie was a faithful and devoted husband and caregiver to his wife; right up until his passing he took care of his wife, spending quality time with her that included many car rides throughout the area.

On September 8, 1956, at Saint Michael's Catholic Church, he was married to Beverly Ann Stevens who survives.

Besides his faithful wife of 65years, he leaves his five children: Joseph of Dummerston, David of Rockingham, Shawn of Brattleboro, Sue Wells and her husband Ron of Guilford and Mary Beth Grover of Guilford. Additionally, Ernie is survived by: a sister, Doris Bellenoit of Greenfield, MA, ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, three great great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and his longtime best friend, Bud Castine of Hinsdale.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph and Raymond Parent, and a granddaughter, Kelsey Wells.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday (1/28) at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Michael's Catholic Church with Fr. Henry Furman, pastor, celebrant. Committal Rites and burial with full military honors will follow in Saint Michael's Parish Cemetery.

Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Thursday from 4 to 6 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to: The Kelsey Wells Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of, Edward Jones Financial Advisors, 1222 Putney Road, Brattleboro, VT 05304, Attn: Philip A. George, Manager.