J. Richard Parnell, 94, formerly of Palmer Township, PA and Bonita Springs, FL passed away peacefully with family by his side on October 27, 2026 in hospice at Blue Ridge Care, Winchester, VA.
Richard was born and raised in Easton, PA. After graduating from Easton High School, he worked for Mack Printing and the Dixie Cup factory. He then became a draftsman for Ingersoll-Rand in Phillipsburg, NJ where he assisted in the design of air compressors, pumps and drills. He retired from the Cameron Pump Division after 30 years.
Richard was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and softball. His favorite MLB team was the Yankees. He liked to spend time with family and friends creating fond memories around holidays and family gatherings. He was frequently found playing cards, board games, pitching quoits, or enjoying the family pool on warm summer days. As an experienced hunter, Richard maintained a hunting cabin in the Poconos for many years and traveled to Newfoundland several times to hunt both moose and caribou.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Jon Stephen; parents, Albert & Marion Parnell; loving wife of 55years, Dini Parnell; oldest son, Douglas Parnell; and sister, Ann Kane.
He is survived by his brother, James Parnell of Palmer Township, PA, and his daughters, Carol Bubak of Bethlehem, PA, Linda Opdyke (David) of Bath, PA, Laurie Thompson (Mark) of Ashburn, VA., 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. His smile and sense of humor will be missed by many.
Visitation services will be held at 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM on Wednesday, November 11th at Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St, Easton PA 18042 (www.AshtonFuneralHome.com), followed by a graveside service at Easton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Blue Ridge Care of Winchester, VA to support patient care, grief counseling services, and community programs (https://give.blueridgecare.org/donate/main-donation-page). Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
