John D. Parolin

February 10, 2021
Parolin, John D.

John D. Parolin formerly of Billerica, MA and most recently Nashua, NH, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 years old on Wednesday, February 10, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Nashua of natural causes.

John was born August 3, 1932, in Fitchburg, MA to his late parents Angelo and Matilda (Lago) Parolin, who had emigrated from Tezze, Italy just prior to his birth. A proud graduating member of the Villanova University Class of 1954, he maintained a strong connection to the school and a passion for Villanova basketball throughout his life.

John married his high school sweetheart Lucille Dextraze in 1955 and the couple raised 6 children in Billerica during their 30-year marriage before Lucille passed away in 1985. John supported his family as a successful agent with Allstate Insurance in Reading, MA for over 20 years and received the company’s Gold Record Award as the top life insurance producer in the country on multiple occasions.

John married Katherine (Root) Parolin in 1999 and spent 21 years with her, residing in both northern Massachusetts and in the Foxfire community of Naples, FL before relocating in 2017 to Hunt Community in Nashua.

A devoted family man and accomplished professional, John was passionate about his Catholic faith and serving his community. A lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, he was a proud supporter of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Jude’s Hospital, St. Theresa’s Parish in Billerica, Austin Preparatory School in Reading and Merrimack College of North Andover, MA. John served these causes in both official and unofficial capacities for most of his life.

A gentleman’s gentleman, John was defined by his care for others and a manner that encouraged all to never be too busy for kindness. John also loved simple pleasures – his morning coffee and a good breakfast conversation, Scrabble, Cribbage, other board games, a good game of cards and the sport of golf. He’d have been far too modest to tell you about his hole-in-one, but he’d show no such restraint talking about his 15 grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Katherine, John is survived by his five children and their spouses – John and wife Julie of Nashua, NH, Michael and wife Denise of Saco, ME, James and wife Nancy of Amherst, NH, Scott and wife Pauline of Windham, ME, and Luanne Neves of Holyoke, MA. John was predeceased by a son, Mark Parolin and his son-in-law Jorge Neves.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staffs of The Hunt Community and St. Joseph Hospital for their care, kindness and support.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for immediate family only due to Covid 19 Protocols on Thursday, Feb. 18 at Parish of the Resurrection in Nashua. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Chelmsford, MA. All in all, he would’ve rather been golfing.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to the employee scholarship fund at the Hunt Community, 10 Allds Street, Nashua NH 03060 or St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements were entrusted to Farwell Funeral Home, 18 Lock Street Nashua, NH.

16 Comments on John D. Parolin

Danielle Caputo said : Guest Report Mar 02, 2021 at 10:41 PM

My sincere condolences to the Parolin family. I was fortunate to be friends with two of the Parolin sons, Mark and Scott. Mark and I were in the same homeroom and were friends in middle school. Mark was cute and smart and popular, but what I remember most is what a really, really nice guy he was. I was sad to learn from the Obituary that Mark had died. I later worked with and became friends with Scott, when he worked at Papa Gino’s in high school. I started there myself in high school and just kept working there on Friday nights as a shift manager, in addition to my “real” job. Not everyone enjoys working restaurant, but we had a lot of fun. Scott - Not sure you will remember me or my sister, Michelle (aka QQ) from Papa Gino’s, but we remember you very fondly. We’re very sorry for the loss of your dad. Best Wishes to you and your family always!!!

Joe Pietrosante said : Guest Report Feb 25, 2021 at 11:50 AM

My sincere condolences and prayers to Parolin family. We were privileged to be part of his family and friends on all Allstate trips. He was very kind and considerate of each person. Allstate was so fortunate to have John and his family, and were fortunate to know him. Peace. The Pietrosante family.

Sy Mahfuz said : Guest Report Feb 20, 2021 at 5:49 PM

A special man that you felt his warmth and sincerity instantly. His love of his family was special and obvious to us all. His legacy is his wonderful children who are so kind,generous and loving Just lime their dad.

Jack R. Law said : Guest Report Feb 20, 2021 at 10:48 AM

Not surprised he was a gentleman's gentleman as the two sons I know -John and Scott - are certainly also. Interesting to learn your mother died the same year as mine. A big loss for the world in one year! Best to the family in this difficult time.

Natasha Haughton said : Guest Report Feb 19, 2021 at 11:32 AM

It was beautiful to read this and to think of your Dad, who sounds like a gentle man who lived his life making a giant impact. We are so appreciative of the legacy he has left in his children and grandchildren that we know and love. His values have clearly been passed down. So much love to you all. God bless, the Haughton family (Winston and Natasha)

Susan Rideout Michelini said : Guest Report Feb 19, 2021 at 11:19 AM

My deepest sympathy!

Denise Nadeau-Hamel said : Guest Report Feb 19, 2021 at 10:39 AM

My sincerest sympathies to the whole Parolin clan. John was a terrific man and role model for all. He will be sorely missed.

Josephine Frioni and Family said : Guest Report Feb 18, 2021 at 5:07 PM

We are so sorry to learn of the sad news. Sincere condolences to the Parolin Family. May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief.

B Jennifer Lemieux said : Guest Report Feb 18, 2021 at 4:53 PM

My deepest sympathies to the entire family. John was such a warm and caring man.

Kris Wise said : Guest Report Feb 18, 2021 at 4:31 PM

Dear John and family, I am so fortunate and blessed to have known your father at Hunt. He was always a gentleman, and so kind. He loved his family so much, and told great stories! I'm thankful for the short time I had the pleasure of knowing him. Kris Wise, RN

Erin Rosenbruch said : Guest Report Feb 17, 2021 at 7:01 PM

John was such a great family man - he was so proud and always happy to talk about his children and grandchildren’s latest achievements. It was a pleasure and an honor to have known him. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

Linda Brodeur said : Guest Report Feb 17, 2021 at 11:13 AM

On behalf of the entire Bishop Guertin Community, I offer our heartfelt condolences to the Parolin Family during this difficult time. May you all be comforted by the love and care of your family and friends. With our thoughts, sympathy and love Linda Brodeur, President

Brad and Betsy Westgate and family said : Guest Report Feb 16, 2021 at 9:10 PM

A gentleman's gentleman is a very apt way to describe John. His presence put everyone at ease because of his gracious and steadfast nature. He was the prefect focus for his wonderful family. His humor and wit had a lovely sublime touch. He will be missed but always remembered. Our sympathies to his supportive and dedicated family.

Patty and Don Poulin said : Guest Report Feb 14, 2021 at 5:55 PM

A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are alive in our hearts, through us, they live on. May God rest his soul in peace.

Steve & Louise Root said : Guest Report Feb 14, 2021 at 5:14 PM

John was a very special man - kind, friendly, outgoing and always had a positive attitude. A great man. Our prayers go out to the family. Love, Steve, Louise and family.

Tom Tessier said : Guest Report Feb 14, 2021 at 3:24 PM

Sincerest Condolences to the entire extended families. First time I met him he exuded warmth and that winning smile was totally disarming he was obviously comfortable in his own skin. I sensed honesty, integrity and saintliness on that first handshake. I wish I had known him earlier.

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