Attorney Charles M. "Chick" Parakilas

Attorney Charles M. "Chick" Parakilas, 88, recently of Suffield and formerly of Somers, passed away peacefully Nov. 19, 2016.

Born Nov. 28, 1927, he was the son of the late Milton G. and Androniki (Loukides) Parakilas. Chick was raised in Enfield and was a graduate of Enfield High School, Class of 1945. Thereafter, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country during the end of World War II until his honorable discharge in late 1947. He then attended University of Connecticut, where he was active in many organizations and was elected class president in his sophomore year and president of Theta Xi fraternity in his junior year. Before graduating in 1952, he met fellow student Madine Hollenbeck and the two were married in 1955. Chick went on to attend Boston University School of Law and received his Juris Doctor degree in 1956. After being admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1957, he served as a state prosecutor in the 13th Circuit Court (now G.A. 13) from 1961 to 1967, and as chief prosecutor, from 1967 to 1971, with distinction. Chick then returned to his full time private practice in Enfield and faithfully served his clients and community for nearly 55 years.

Chick and Madine moved to Somers in 1965, where they resided for most of their lives, raising their children, Holly, Wendy, and Christopher. In addition to his law practice, Chick was very active in the Enfield Society for the Detection of Thieves and Robbers; embodying the heart and soul of the organization and serving as its president for over 40 years. Many will remember Chick marching in the Enfield Memorial Day parades behind the Society banner, dressed in Colonial attire and ringing a bell.

He was also a member of the John Maciolek Post 154 American Legion in Enfield. In keeping with his Greek heritage, Chick was an active member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Thompsonville. Chick was blessed with natural musical ability and played clarinet, saxophone, and string bass. He formed his own band in high school and college, and was part of other "swing" type bands in later years. Most of all, Chick relished spending time with his family, happy to be in his kitchen cooking meals for all to savor.

He is survived by his daughter, Wendy Bowers and husband, William; his son, Christopher and wife, Brooke; four grandchildren, Holly and Kyle Bowers, and Zoe and Max Parakilas; a sister, Mary Koukopolous and husband, Thanos; and many nieces and nephews. Chick was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Madine; and their daughter, Holly; along with his sister, Anna Parakilas; and his brothers, George, James, and Thomas Parakilas.

Chick's family will receive relatives and friends Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield. A Trisagion Service will be held Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels with the Rev. Fr. Panteleimon Klostri as celebrant. Committal services, with military honors, will follow at New West Cemetery in Somers.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Chick's memory may be made to Home and Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1199, Enfield, CT 06083.

For additional information and to leave online expressions of sympathy, please visit

www.leetestevens.com