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Harold Parnham Obituary
AGE: 85 • Yonkers
Harold A. Parnham Jr. 85 a resident of Yonkers, NY, formerly of the Bronx, passed away on July 27, 2013, peacefully at home with his family at his side. He was born on February 19, 1928 to Harold and Lillian Parnham. He was a beloved husband to his late wife Irene M. Parnahm. Harold is survived by his two children John Parnham and Lisa Marie (Usher) Parnham. Cherished grandfather of Robert E. Usher III and John Michael Usher. Harold graduated from the New York State Maritime Academy in 1948, due to the Korean War he served as an active duty officer in the United States Navy. After obtaining his Masters License Oceans, from the United States Coast Guard, he returned to SUNY and received his BS degree in Marine Transportation. Harold went on to join the faculty of the Maritime College and for 35 years Harold taught Navigation and Nautical Science. He retired in 1991. For thirty years Harold was also a guest lecturer and course instructor at the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium. Harold was a Free and Accepted Mason since 1952. The family would like to thank the Jansen Hospice and the Neighbors Aid Assistance. Visitation will be held on Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9 pm at the Flynn Memorial Home Inc., (1652 Central Park Ave.,) Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday 10 am at St. John's Episcopal Church, located on Underhill Street, Yonkers, New York. Memorial donation may be sent to the SUNY Maritime College, 6 Pennyfield Avenue, Bronx, New York 10465.
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Memories and Condolences
for Harold Parnham
George Taborsky (class '48)
August 12, 2013
HAP was a lexicon of information, having an exceptional memory. I had only spoken with him not too long before he crossed the bar and he was quite definite in his plans for the immediate future, a testament to his approach to detail, a credit to his dedication in all he accomplished.
He will be sorely missed.
CAPT Gary Tober, USN ret.
August 7, 2013
His teaching and attention to his students will live on as long as any of us who were fortunate enough to be his students still live, and probably in eternity as well.
Donald Henny
August 7, 2013
HAPP I am sure you are sailing on ,
PEACE , DON
August 3, 2013
It was always (well maybe not always) a pleasure to have Navigation class with HAP. We all remember his exploits as TS Navigator and his ability to obtain a perfect star whell fix while the rest of us labored to get 3 to cross. His humor and professionalism will be remembered, may be rest in peace. Fair winds and following seas. D. Foley 62
George McCarthy
August 2, 2013
During my years at Fort Schuyler(1976-1980) we had something akin to the Four Horsemen of 1920's Notre Dame(Stuhldreher, Miller, Crowley, Laden)and the Iron Men of the Yankees(Gherig, Dimaggio, etc.) They were Parnham, Dutcher, Sembler, Hess, Degani and others. Each a lion of the industry, they were recognized as experts in their fields, and, more importantly- they were willing to pass on their knowledge. Little, then, did we know how lucky we were. But, now, we do. Thank you HAP, fair winds and following seas. You had a huge influence on my life. Quartermaster- eight bells please.
Captain George McCarthy, Class of 1980
Arthur J Smith 1984
August 1, 2013
HAP stood for excellence in Celestial Navigation. He made the subject enjoyable and I used it for six years at sea after graduation.
Peter Jensen
August 1, 2013
HAP was professional, an outstanding Professor, a mentor, a character, a comic, a legend, always available for counsel, witty, a story teller, and a gentleman. We were blessed to have his presence, training, and friendship. Class of 1978.
Rick Stevenson
July 31, 2013
I was fortunate to have known HAP as a fellow parishoner at St. John's Episcopal Church over the years. I will now miss him at the early 8AM services, however the memory of the way he read the Sunday lessons will be with me forever. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Barbara Henny
July 31, 2013
It was an honor and pleasure to have met Hap and to know about his achievements. I wish I had been able to visit with him, but I have fond memories of happy times spent with him and John and Lisa. May he rest now in peace and be with the love of his life whom I know he missed greatly. Deepest sympathy and love to the family.
John Knauss
July 31, 2013
HAP took one of the hardest subjects and made it engaging. You wanted to perform and do well.
Tj Harvey
July 31, 2013
I never had the honor of meeting him but I know he was an amazing man and know he was at peace having you by his side! Thoughts and prayers!
Vanessa Turney
July 31, 2013
“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”
? Shannon L. Alder
I was unfortunate to have only known Hap for a short time. I am and forever will be grateful to him and his wife for taking my aunt and raising her. Giving her an extraordinary life. Loving her as his own and having a big enough heart to share her with us when we found her. Also excepting all of us into his family. I have been told so many amazing stories of Hap's life and the man that he was. He will forever live on in our hearts and through those stories.
Lisa marie
July 31, 2013
To the greatest man I have ever known. Your last watch has come to pass daddy and thank the stars I was right beside you. These past ten months were so wonderful that they will last me a lifetime and someday we will be together again but for now I will continue to live life according to "Hap", and I already know that's a great way to live.I am so proud of you dad not just as a father or for your astronomical accomplishments, but for the human being you were and the one you taught me to be, and that my best friend is truly celestial. Thank you for the greatest life a girl could have ... All my love to Mother I will see you both in the stars .
Richard McNair
July 30, 2013
Celestial sphere and your inside looking out. This is HAP at his best. Navigational stars and how they transit the heavens. He loved his craft, he passed it on to us. You will always hear his voice when you look at the celestial bodies ( what a great way to end a watch). Thank's HAP. Have a safe voyage.
Mike Reynolds '89
July 30, 2013
What a great instructor with a passion in teaching his students. His class was one that I believe all who took will remember. Thank you HAP and RIP.
David Mackey '80
July 30, 2013
Everyone can remember those one or two individual teachers who stand out above the rest, HAP was one of those to me. I still use the navigation skills he taught me in my celestial navigation classes today. I can only hope that I am able to impart the knowledge and love for navigation to the next generation of mariners as well as he did. Thanks HAP, God Bless and smooth sailing.
Dennis Compton
July 30, 2013
Knowing HAP as a student from 1967-1970 and again from 1975-76, and then as a colleague from 1979-1981, it became more and more obvious as I aged, that this man stood in rare company as both a dedicated teacher and a gentleman. He touched so many lives in such a meaningful way and he lives on in those who knew him. (formerly Dennis Gay)
Mark Nemergut '79
July 30, 2013
A true "Gentleman" in every sense of the word. He had a major impact on my life and career. He represented the "Best" of SUNY Maritime College. An all around "Great" man and role model. God Speed & Bon Voyage Professor HAP.
Patrick Murphy '88
July 30, 2013
I have thought of HAP many times through the years, whether it be when I catch myself holding my briefcase with my index finger on the outboard side (like he taught us to hold our sextant box), or teaching my kids to “follow the arc to arcturus”... or to find Polaris.
He unlocked the mysteries of "celestial navigation” and shared his love of the stars with so many. I am fortunate and grateful to have learned from the best.
He was a true Mariner, Educator and Ambassador for our school- May he rest in peace
Pat Crilley, '82
July 30, 2013
Thank you, Hap. May you now rest in peace. Your watch has ended.
Gregory Ferrone
July 30, 2013
Sad day. That man was a dedicated Domer in all respects. He was a great mentor in that he always had his priorities straight with regards to teaching, license testing or life guidance in general (one was when he congratulated us on graduating: " you now graduate into the school of hard knocks..." - never forgot it and how right he was. Thanks for everything HAP..
Patrick Murphy ' 88
July 30, 2013
Sometimes i catch myself with my finger on the outboard side of my briefcase - like he taught us to hold our sextant cases- or teaching my kids to follow the arc to arcturus...and i think of HAP. He unlocked the mystery of of Celestial Navigation to so many Domers.
He was a true Mariner, Educator and Ambassador for our College. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Richard Russell '81
July 30, 2013
Navigation is the foundation of sailing and I could think of none better to teach it! he "pounded" it in to out heads. Thank you.....
John Bortniak
July 30, 2013
I had classes with HAP 40+ years ago, but I can still hear his voice in my memory. Great teacher. Fair winds and following seas, HAP.
Tricia Bloss-O'Gorman
July 29, 2013
I learned celestial from the best teacher and have "'channeled" HAP's style in my science classroom...learn the concept, practice the skill until you internalize the conceptual understanding. He was a nice man, an excellent and detailed instructor, and a gift to the countless cadets who were in his classes. As a Bronx native, I am proud to have known him. I know he and my Dad are up there toasting all of us right now.
Tricia Bloss-O'Gorman '92
Phillip Sandusky '89
July 29, 2013
Fair winds, Professor
Joe Bajek
July 29, 2013
HAP was great at drilling into our heads the tenants of navigation. His passion for the industry and work with celestial navigation will be missed.
Joe Bajek '88
Tom Darcy '79
July 29, 2013
A great teacher, a role model and a good guy. "We never have enough time!" RIP, Captain.
July 29, 2013
HAP was always "tough but fair" and imparted a universe of nautical knowledge on countless Cadets.
He was truly a NY Maritime Legend and I, and many other Mariners, are better off for having known him.
Fairwinds and following seas....
--Capt Bob Fay, Class of 1980
Walt Nadolny
July 29, 2013
HAP taught many generations of Mariners Navigation and Seamanship. I for one am grateful for having been his student.
Walt Nadolny'78, MT Chair
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Flynn Memorial Home, Inc. - Central Park Ave.1652 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10710
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