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Charles Root Parsons

8/7/2016

53 Comments

 
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Charles Root Parsons, Chairman of Parsons & Associates, Inc., an Insurance and Risk Management Company in Syracuse since 1930, died on Monday. He was 79.
Mr. Parsons, who was known as Chuck, was an innovator in the insurance business. In 1986 the agency was appointed as the New York State Administrator for CNA’s Lawyers Professional Liability Program. The program started with a small number of brokers and has grown to more than 265 brokers today. He was president of the Professional Insurance Agents of New York in 1975-1976. In 1995 Mr. Parsons was named Insurance Person of Distinction at Syracuse I-Day. Always a firm believer in continuing education and risk management, he was recently honored with an award recognizing his 40 years as a Certified Insurance Counselor. 
He was devoted to causes that improved the lives of citizens, most notably the Rescue Mission, where he served as president of its Board of Trustees, and was a member of Kiwanis.
Mr. Parsons was born in Syracuse, the son of Claire Root and John C. Parsons. Summers were spent at the family camp on Skaneateles Lake. He was educated at Deerfield Academy and Dartmouth College. After graduation, he served in the Army as a 1st Lieutenant in the 2nd AC in Bamberg, Germany, where he met his wife, Elfriede, of 54 years. In 1961 he returned to Syracuse to join his father, founder of Parsons & Associates, Inc., in the business. Today his sons, John and Robert, continue to lead the agency.
Surviving are his wife, Elfriede; sons, John C.  II (Lynda) and Robert M. (Sara); daughter, Kristin P. Thornton (Barry); and five grandchildren, John III, Bailey, Jack, Connor, Agnes and a sister Martha (Dick) Paine. Many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents John C. and Claire Parsons and sister Karen (Al) Duncker.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mercy Works, PO Box 25, Syracuse, NY 13205.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 
 
 

  
53 Comments
John C Parsons II
8/10/2016 04:10:57 pm

Dad, you were taken too soon! I am happy for you that you are no longer suffering and are now able to get in and out of any boat you want! I'll miss you forever and thank you for providing a wonderful life for your wife, your children, grandchildren and associates. Your kindness and generosity were second to none! You will be greatly missed by more than you know.

As I've shared the terrible news with people a constant among all is some version of "Your Dad was such a gentleman and nice man." They are correct!

See you sometime down the road, and we'll take care of your Fraulee!

Love
John II

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Steve Haws
8/11/2016 04:57:13 pm

Sincere condolences from the Haws family. I remember him fondly and always considered him a brave man for insuring my vehicles! I know he will be missed

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Jim n Laura Eagan
10/18/2016 10:17:43 am

Was very sad to hear of Chuck's passing. He was one of the great guys. I worked very closely with Chuck, he was the best of the best. Spent many a Xmas eve afternoons sharing a beverage. Elfriede, our best to you. John and Rob very sorry, you have some big shoes to fill.

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John
10/18/2016 01:57:57 pm

Thank you Jim and Laura!

Lisa Decker
8/10/2016 05:45:36 pm

Chuck
Words cannot express the loss of such an incredible man. Not only to your family but your extended family at the agency as well. You took a chance on me and now more than 13 years later I could not be more proud to be a part of your family. You are greatly missed and a class act that is so rare to find in today's world. Thank you for your wisdom, leadership and guidance over the years. My life is forever changed being a part of yours.
Love - Lisa

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Charles Walker
8/11/2016 05:50:09 am

Chuck was my good friend for more than 50 years. I shall miss him.

But if the while I think on thee, dear friend,
All losses are restored and sorrows end.
~William Shakespeare

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Elfriede Parsons
8/11/2016 05:58:26 am

Chuck, my love, I want to thank you for making me the luckiest woman alive. The first day I met you I knew you were special. Our life together was filled with love, compassion, respect and humor.

We were blessed with three remarkable children, we enjoyed and loved our grandchildren, you made sure we created many memories together as a family.

I loved your compassion for others, less fortunate, your willingness to help wherever and whoever you could. You were a shining example for your children and grandchildren.

You taught by example.

Chuck, you are always in my heart. I am forever grateful to God for letting me share my life with you for almost 55 years of marriage. I am so blessed.

Thank you my love.

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David Woodruff & Family
8/11/2016 07:14:11 am

John: very sorry for your loss. Quite a man, but you know that.

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Sharon Terry
8/11/2016 08:08:58 am

Rob & Family, Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss. You are in my prayers

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Nancy Cole link
8/11/2016 09:20:16 am

You were my hero; my favorite cousin. I regret getting to know you later in life, though I watched you and your sisters from afar as a young girl across the street at our beloved Marion's. We shared a love for her.
It has been my extreme honor to be friends with you and Elfriede; to observe your unique and special family filled with love and respect, a rarity in this modern world. I'll miss you always.
Your admiring and loving cousin, Nancy

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Elfriede Parsons
8/11/2016 12:13:08 pm

Dear Nancy,

The feeling was mutual, Chuck was very fond of you and we always enjoyed your visits! Love, Elfriede

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David Gough
8/11/2016 09:26:54 am

Elfriede and family, I am so sorry for your loss. As you know, Chuck was a very special person who I admired and have tried to emulate in many ways. We have shared several special memories over the years and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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Elfriede Parsons
8/11/2016 07:15:43 pm

David, thank you! You were special to him, he watched you with pride and affection! We have many wonderful memories, I will cherish them!

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Wayne and Mary Ellen Fillback
8/11/2016 11:03:55 am

Chuck was a terrific guy I knew at Deerfield. It was fun to catch up with him at Sara's a few years ago in Hingham. Our thoughts go out to your family, and especially to dear friends Marty and Dick.

Wayne and Mary Ellen

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Mel & Harriet Graesser
8/11/2016 12:21:55 pm

Dear Elfriede - We are deeply saddened at the shocking news of Chuck's untimely death. Our friendship with you and Chuck was begun on beautiful Sanibel Island and in our mind forever that first table on the pool deck belongs to him. So many memories and good conversations were made there and there we recognized his quality and his love for you. You and Chuck enriched our lives and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family.

God's Blessing - Mel and Harriet from Iowa

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Elfriede Parsons
8/11/2016 07:19:10 pm

Dear friends, thank you for your kind words! We had some great times, laughs together! We cherish our Sanibel friends! Hope Harriet is feeling better! Love,
Elfriede

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Charlene Glezen
8/11/2016 12:48:08 pm

I am so sorry for your loss. I know exactly how you all feel with my losing my husband and my mother last year. As you know he was Lisa's step father and her grandmother. Lisa was so blessed to have had Chuck and the rest of the family in her life the past 13 years. My prayers are with all of you.
Love to all of you,
Lisa's Mother Charlene

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Joe Kirsch
8/11/2016 01:22:17 pm

Mrs Parsons, Rob, John, & Kristen,
I am sorry for your loss. I am smiling as I remember your husband and father. He treated me like an extension of your family and I will always be grateful. I will remember him behind the wheel of the Robalo cruising Lake George where he instilled the love of nature and the discipline to respect it as we policed the camp site. I will pray for him and each of you as you grieve his passing.
Joe Kirsch

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Elfriede Parsons
8/11/2016 07:24:05 pm

Joe, you are family! We have had some good times together! Just a little over 1month ago we spent 2wonderful weeks at Lake George, he loved it! Stop by the next time you are in the neighborhood! Love Mrs.P.

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Nancy Cole
8/11/2016 01:22:49 pm

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Chris Bell
8/11/2016 01:26:17 pm

Elfriede...there are no words to express my sadness for the loss of Chuck who was the gentleman of all gentleman no matter how much we tried to mess with his mind. Most of all, he gave me one of the best friends of my life for 27 years-YOU. My heart aches for what you must be feeling and hope you will reach out to me always. So many memories have been running through my mind these last few days and I will hang onto them forever. I know your amazing family will always be there for you and your memories will be in your heart always. May they bring back the smile that we all know so well. Love to your family and especially to you. Chris

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Elfriede Parsons
8/11/2016 07:29:00 pm

Chris, I Love you too! We are all still numb, such a shock. You are right, we will get through this, he would want that! And yes, all these memories together will keep us going! Life will never be the same!

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Alma Malikow
8/11/2016 01:40:42 pm

Elfriede, Rob, John, and Lynda, It is sad for all of us to know that Chuck has left us for a better place He was a man whose presence dignified and stabilized the office environment. He was thoughtful and kind to all he met. My life was enriched for knowing and working with him. God bless you all.

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John Duncker
8/11/2016 02:23:28 pm

He was a true gentleman. I was fortunate to be his nephew and spend many of my childhood days with him and all the Parsons at Skaneateles. I will miss him terribly. All my love to all. John

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Elfriede Parsons
8/11/2016 07:30:22 pm

John, thank you! We love you too!

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Heidi Chajka Dwyer
8/11/2016 02:53:21 pm

Kristen and family I am so very very sorry for your loss. Your dad was a very nice man and obviously Did a tremendous job raising such wonderful children. I am sure he knew that he was a very lucky man to have all of you.
Love Heidi

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Kristin Parsons Thornton
8/11/2016 03:21:32 pm

Thank you for your kind words, Heidi. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness.

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Mary-Kay Foehl
8/11/2016 06:02:38 pm

Dear John, Lynda, John and Bailey

We are so very sorry for your loses. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Carl, Mary-Kay, Colin and Shannon

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Karri ODonnell
8/11/2016 07:13:12 pm

To one of the dearest men I have had the privilege to get to know. Chuck you were a wonderful caring man and you will so dearly be missed. I got to have you and Elfriede and your family every year at the West Wind and I always looked forward to your visits and our chats. You will forever hold a place in my heart and fond memories. ❤️

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James L Jerome
8/12/2016 06:55:11 am

I am so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. I thoroughly enjoyed our visits of days gone by on the farm. We always called each other cousin and although not close we kept track of each others happenings. A straight shooter, family man and a do'er we will miss you Cousin Chuck. Safe travels sir and look forward to catching up with you one day on the other side. Our prayers go out to the family. Jim & Sue Jerome

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Cheryl Black Bianconi
8/12/2016 11:21:19 am

Dear Elfriede, John, Robert and Kristen and other family,
Our deepest condolences and thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I have nothing but positive memories of your Dad. And remember talking to him about his gardening, various ( cool) cars, boats and other unique items. I was always struck by his curiosity and purpose in delving into new technologies. And of course it was a priviledge to know your Dad and all of you. Many fond memories playing kickball, volleyball, basketball, and creating forts in the "wilderness'. It is my fondest hope that in time he cherished memories you created and shared with your Dad will eas the pain of his passing.

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Sandra Drancsak
8/12/2016 06:38:48 pm

What an amazing man to have left such an incredibly wonderful legacy as his son John and grandchildren (not to exclude Lynda). The Drancsak's sympathies dear friends.

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Tom Alibrandi
8/13/2016 08:51:25 am

RIP, Chuck. You were a good guy.

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Mary K. Sullivan Greenlee
8/13/2016 04:27:01 pm

Elfriede, John, Rob and family, it is with great sadness to hear of Chuck's passing. He was always one of my favorite insurance people. A gentleman , a professional and just a really nice man. May his memory be eternal. Love to all.

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Ray & Marian Black
8/14/2016 07:05:28 am

Dear Elfriede, Marian and I were deeply saddened by the news about the death of Chuck. We are so very sorry. You and the your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We have been neighbors for 50+ years and have had many conversations over that time and we don’t ever remember hearing Chuck utter an unkind word toward anyone. He was a kind man and a good neighbor and he will be missed.

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Dawn & Pat Letellier
8/14/2016 09:56:08 am

Dear Elfriede & family

We were very saddened to learn of Chuck's passing. Having him and you near us on the pool deck at Sanibel for so many years has been a large part of our fun Februarys. "Sir Charles" always impressed us with his knowledge and kindness.
Love,
Dawn & Pat

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Elfriede Parsons
8/15/2016 05:15:21 am

Thank you Dawn & Pat,
Thank you! He enjoyed his "neighbor" - those are very special memories. Unfortunately there will be no more seesions. Love you both!

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Robert Parsons
8/14/2016 10:40:24 am

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Alice & Ed Kondis
8/14/2016 10:47:26 am

Dear Elfriede.
Ed and I send our deepest sympathies and prayers for you and your
family at this very sad time. We cherish our friendship with you and
Chuck and all the wonderful times we shared on Sanibel. Our discussions on the pool deck, at the bar and various Sanibel restaurants of books, politics, and sports were always
lively and special. The Syracuse rivalries with Pitt, Duke and Notre
Dame always led to spirited and fun debates. Chuck had a calmer demeanor than his wife when discussing 'The Orange'!!
Chuck was the perfect gentleman, the very best company, and he
enriched the lives of everyone who knew him. We will miss him!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We wish you Peace and good
memories to bring a smile to your face!! God bless!! Alice & Ed

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Elfriede Parsons
8/15/2016 05:19:24 am

Dera Alice, dear Ed,
Chuck loved our gatherings with you, he had such affection and respect for you., Memories of our Sanibel friends are special and are a treasure! Alice, thank you for your call, it was great comfort! Love to you both!

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Nancy & John Osta
8/14/2016 05:17:47 pm

Dear Elfriede Our family will always remember Chuck and your family. He was a very kind and caring person, We will remember him in our prayers.

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Elfriede Parsons
8/15/2016 05:20:39 am

Thank you Nancy!

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Le Moyne College
8/15/2016 06:57:38 am

Please accept the most heartfelt sympathies of Le Moyne College. We hope the love and memories that you will forever hold in your heart bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Le Moyne College, Office of Alumni and Parent Programs
Syracuse, NY

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Jenifer Kondis
8/15/2016 09:28:39 am

We met only a few times starting with a visit to Sanibel and then a wonderful visit to your home. But we were instantly struck by the amazing hospitality, genuineness, and sparkle of humor by both of you. As I read the condolences I know I share that observation by many. God bless you, dear friend!

Elfriede, and family! My heart breaks for you on the loss of such a wonderful man! I am glad we were fortunate enough to meet him. You have had such a difficult path these last several years. I pray that our God of all Comfort will hold you close and give you comfort and peace that only He can give. We love you and will keep you all in our hearts and prayers!

Love, Dave and Jeni Kondis

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Dr. Hayes Wanamaker, Staff of Ear Consultants of CNY
8/15/2016 10:25:08 am

We send our sincere condolences to a very well respected man.
Please accept our sympathy for your loss to his wife and family.
He always treated us with respect as a business man and friend.
I am sure he will continue you to watch over his family.

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Shen
8/15/2016 11:09:04 am

Condolences to your family. May you receive comfort from the word of God during this time of loss. Acts 24:15 says there will be a resurrection of the righteous and unrighteous. Can you imagine the joy of Martha and Mary when Jesus raised Lazarus back to life?—Read John 11:21-24, 38-44. Revelation 21:3,4 promises that one day death, mourning, and outcry will be no more. To find out more regarding the hope for the dead visit JW.org and search "death".

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Chris Legg
8/15/2016 07:02:38 pm

John, Lynda, John, and Bailey,
My deepest sympathies are with you as you navigate the difficult waters of your losses. Moms, Dads, and grandparents remain with us on our journeys in life. Hope you each find tranquil waters soon and in the future with them. God bless you and the entire Parsons family,
Chris Legg

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Franz Rosenberger
8/16/2016 08:51:31 am

Dear Mrs. P John, Robert and Kristin-

So very sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad and Husband. God knows I spent nearly as much time at your house as I did at mine growing up in the neighborhood. I still have many fond memories from those days: sleep overs, trips to Skaneateles Lake, flashlight tag, organizing ball games with Rob, Chuck at the helm of the Robalo at Lake Ontario. ( including the idea that you could put butter on a Ham and Cheese sandwich, genius!) I appreciated being a part of your family and Chuck and Elfreida were more like an Aunt and Uncle to this short kid with a lot of energy. Speaking on behalf of my parents I know they considered you both to be among the best friends of a their lifetime. They shared love,respect, traveled together, and had an awful lot of fun over the years. What is better than that?. I read above in the very well written Obit about Chuck's professional career , which is pretty GD impressive. I can just tell you something you have all known forever. He was straight up an incredible guy, father, and husband. How lucky you were Elfriede to have found each other and to have had 54 years together raising your amazing family. Thanks so much for letting me in on the ride!
My love to you all!

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Kelly, Kari, Franz and Eric Rosenberger
8/16/2016 02:36:40 pm

Dear Mrs. Parsons, John, Rob, and Kristin,
We send our heartfelt sympathies to you and all of your family for the loss of Mr. Parsons. Throughout the years our families have shared so many special times; Skaneateles, Lake Ontario, trips to St. Croix with our parents, weddings, the HolyCross/Dartmouth rivalry (remember the flagpole?), dinners and play dates in the neighborhood.Mr. Parsons was not only a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, but also a wonderful neighbor and friend. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, and that many happy memories of Mr. Parsons will live on through the years.
Love,
Kelly, Kari, Franz, and Eric

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Elfriede Parsons
8/19/2016 09:01:58 am

Kelly, thank you for your support at the ICU at Crouse! We were so thankful for the care he received, for the compassion shown to us!
The memories between our two families are treasured and priceless! Love to you All!

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Vertical LAX / Team 22 Lacrosse
9/7/2016 11:33:38 am

Dear Rob and Family - Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father, husband, grandfather, friend and associate. Although most of us did not know him, the comments that were shared above show that he was a very generous, kind, deeply loved and well respected man. May your memories fill your heart with warmth and bring you comfort and peace during this very sad and difficult time.
Paul, Jen and Staff at Team 22 Lacrosse

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9/10/2016 05:17:21 pm

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Wolfram Metzner
12/4/2020 08:43:29 am

Liebe Familie, liebe Elfriede - ich kann mich noch gut daran erinnern, als ich mit Chuck ubd Elfriede unter dem Weihnachtsbaum in den 50er Jahren in Königsbrunn als Kind gespielt habe. Diese Erinnerung habe ich jedes Jahr an Weihnachten. Ich hoffe ihr übersteht die aktuelle Pandemie gut. Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland.

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