WESTFIELD: John L. Parrish, 76, passed away at home on January 29, 2022. Born in Holyoke on
November 30, 1945 he was the son of Jessie and Helen (Mielke) Parrish. John grew up in Easthampton and was a graduate of Smith Vocational High School with a concentration in carpentry. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America and achieved Eagle Scout and later became a Scoutmaster. After high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1965 where he was trained as an electrician; he served four years of active duty service during the Vietnam era. After separation he joined the Connecticut Air National Guard and shortly transferred to the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base, retiring in 1995. He also worked in the Barnes Civil Engineering structures shop as a civilian employee from 1990 and retired in 2011.
John was a Master Mason and was a two-time past Master of Hampshire Lodge in Haydenville. In his free time he enjoyed fishing, golfing, hunting and shooting firearms. He will be missed by his son John and his wife Kristen Parrish of Southampton along with his grandchildren Gabrielle and Jamison.
His funeral will be held on Tuesday February 8th, beginning at 11 AM from the Boucher- O’Brien Funeral Home, 7 Pleasant St., Easthampton followed by his burial at Brookside Cemetery in Easthampton with Full Military Honors. Calling hours will be held Monday from 4 to 6 PM.
