1927 - 2018
Visitation
January 11, 20183:00 to 5:30 P.M.
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
January 12, 201811:00 AM Mass
St. Mary Church, 25 North Rd. Chelmsford MA 01824
Charles A. Parlee, 90, of Chelmsford died surrounded by his loving family on Monday, January 8, 2018 at the Life Care Center Nashoba Valley in Littleton.
He was married to the late Jeanne L. Parlee (Dumont), who died on June 27, 2017 with whom he celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on June 23, 2017.
Born in Chelmsford, he was the son of the late Samuel R. and Margaret L. Parlee.
He proudly served with the U.S. Navy during WWII. After the war he worked as a mail carrier.
Charles was a partner of the J & C Management Company of Chelmsford. He was dedicated to restoring historical properties with his wife as well as building commercial properties, post offices and apartments and managing them. He also proudly maintained farms and open space in Ashby and Chelmsford.
He was a communicant of St. Mary Church in Chelmsford and St. John Church in Townsend and was an active member.
Charles was a member of the Chelmsford Historical Society, the Ashby Historical Society, the Chelmsford Rotary Club, and an elected member of the Chelmsford Planning Board, as well as serving on the Academy of Notre Dame Board of Trustees. He was one of the founders of the Chelmsford Business Association and served as a Commissioner of the Chelmsford Center Water District and the Conservation Commission.
He enjoyed sponsoring a band in the Chelmsford Parade and for years participated in the parade with his antique cars.
Charles enjoyed being a winter resident of Naples, FL and extensively traveling with his wife.
He is survived by his daughters, Charlene Parlee of Chelmsford and Robyn and her husband, William Whitehouse of Chelmsford; brother, Henry and his wife, Charlotte Parlee of Chelmsford; sister-in-law, Irene Dumont of Dracut; grandchildren, Justin and his wife, Ashleigh Whitehouse, Adam Whitehouse, Travis Whitehouse, Blake Whitehouse, and Jayden Parlee-Vines; great grandson, Branon Whitehouse and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours Thurs. 3 to 5:30 P.M. Funeral Fri. at 10A.M. from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, with a funeral Mass at 11A.M. at St. Mary Church. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford. Memorials may be made in his name Boys Town, 1411 Crawford Street, Boys Town, NE 68010 or to the charity of one’s choice. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
Hank Hamelin
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Charlie, I’ll miss all those chats we used to have. A month never went by when you didn’t stop into my old shop to give me a good nature d hard time. When I’d ask to use the barn to build a float for the parade the answer was always “of course you can” For years, Fletcher St would flood during a hard rain storm and you told the town engineer to build a drain into your retention pond to “help out my buddy Hank” I’ll always remember how good you were to me. Now you get to be with Jean again.
Rest in piece my friend.
Hank Hamelin
Ray Des Marais
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Charley and Jeanne were so proud of the farms they restored and provided for good use…we’ll miss them for all there positive efforts, and most all their warm and genuine friendship. Ray Des Marais
william hood
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I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Charlie Parlee. I always enjoyed our conversations together and traveling with both him and his lovely wife Jeanne. He will certainly be missed by his family and the town he loved.
William Hood
Kathleen Kelley
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Charlie was among the best people I have known and I am sad to hear of his passing. His very positive impact on Chelmsford will continue long in the future in many forms, not the least of which will be the many, many kindnesses he always showed over the years to everyone – made us all better people by example and by making us all feel good. Thanks, Charlie and condolences to all the Parlee family. Kathy Kelley
Marty Peal
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Charlie was a great man! I am thankful for the opportunity to work with him over the years and for all the talks we had. You will be missed!
Rest in Peace Charlie.
Becky Warren
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My sympathies to Charlie’s family. I have many fond memories of Charlie, whether it was while I was working for his brother Ralph in the strawberry fields, speaking with him about creating the open pasture lands on Proctor Road at the Kroll Pasture, or receiving an enthusiastic tour and hearing of his plans at his Ashby farm. He certainly cared about preservation of historic places and open space. Becky Warren
Debra Donovan Shaw
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Charlene and Robin,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear father. I will never forget our yearly excursions to NDA Father/Daughter Day and our dinner out after. He will be missed! God Bless!
Daphne Freeman
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I was saddened to hear about the passing of Charlie Parlee. He was a friend and neighbor. He cared a great deal about conservation and was so committed to the town of Chelmsford. My heartfelt condolences to the Parlee Family.
Leesa Hohmann
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‘A dream doesn’t become a reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.’ Rest In Peace Mr.Parlee, thank you for reinforcing my strong work ethics, and reminding me that hard work pays off and that people notice it. Also, thank you for letting your backyard be the backdrop of so many amazing memories that helped shape my life. Condolences to his family. ❤️
Diane DeLuca
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Just want extend my condolences to the Parlee family. Whenever I saw Mr. Parlee he was always kind and funny. In reading it appears he was a wonderful man who made many people happy.
Diane DeLuca
Rebecca Seidel
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Our prayers are with you Robin and Charlene. He is with Jeanne now, knew they couldn’t be separated for long. Hugs to you
Rebecca Seidel and all the Seidels.