Richard Emery Parsons

Richard Emery Parsons, 92, a resident of Grafton Road in Townshend and formerly of Wilmington, VT, passed away July 23, 2022 at Valley Cares in Townshend. Richard was born in Wilmington, VT on May 11, 1930, the son of the late Hermon and Ruby Anne (Griswold) Parsons and attended local schools. Richard worked on the family farm for 36 years and then for International Paper Company for 26 years, retiring in 1992. Along with his wife, Richard enjoyed working the Flea Market in Wilmington and was known as the knife man for selling a variety of stainless-steel knives. He enjoyed watching old western movies, telling stories, having a cold beer in the afternoon and spending time with his family especially his grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren. Richard is survived by his children Sandra Ruby O’Neal of Hinsdale, NH and Richard A. Parsons of Brattleboro, VT, his sister Shirley Crawford of Wilmington, VT, 4 grandchildren Michelle Foster, Richard Parsons, Kimberly Gassett, and Sarah O’Neal, 10 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years Lorraine Barnett Parsons whom he married November 11, 1949 in Wilmington. Mrs. Parsons passed away November 27, 2021. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Ralph, Ernest and Burnerd Parsons, Verna Canedy and Agnes Pietrunti, his grandson Douglas O’Neal, and his great granddaughter Jennifer Gassett. Graveside funeral services for Richard will be held Thursday July 28, 2022 at 11am in Riverview Cemetery in Wilmington. There are no visiting hours. If friends desire, memorial gifts in Richard’s memory may be made to Valley Cares, c/o Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home P.O. Box 215 Wilmington, VT 05363. To send the family personal condolences please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted arrangements to the care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home 44 East Main Street Wilmington, VT.