William F. Parsley

William Francis Parsley, 91, of Braintree passed away peacefully at home on December 5, 2024 surrounded by family. The son of Jack and Frances Parsley of Newfoundland, Bill was born and raised in Quincy Point; a place that forever held a special spot in his heart. Bill formed lifelong friendships playing baseball on the fields around “the Point” and hockey on the pond every winter. In 1952, Bill graduated from Quincy High School and went on to serve eight years in the U.S. Air Force, specializing in long-range radar operations. Following his military service, Bill began his career as a Systems Engineer for IBM. 

Bill married Carol Gilmore, also of Quincy Point, in 1960 and together raised eight children. They were devoted to their family and faith; and cherished the bonds they had with their friends in the neighborhood, church and community. Bill and Carol shared a love of music. Show tunes and 40’s Big Band always played in their kitchen where you could often find them singing or dancing together. Trips out to Tanglewood to see their treasured Boston Pops were the beginning of their love for travel. When their kids were grown, Carol and Bill enjoyed many trips throughout Europe and Canada. But it was being Mimi and Papa and the day-to-day involvement with their 19 grandchildren where they found their greatest joy. Bill and Carol were blessed with 57 years of marriage until her passing in 2017.

Bill always had a love for sports whether he was playing them, coaching, or faithfully following his Boston teams. He and his best friend Jim were Patriots season ticket holders, always tailgating and enjoying a good time together. Bill played hockey with the Quincy Bald Eagles, serving as goalie for many years until he hung up his skates for the last time at the age of 85. Bill found endless joy in hockey whether watching the Bruins or his grandchildren play, but the brotherhood he found in his Bald Eagles teammates was immeasurable.

Known for his radiant smile and tendency to burst into song, Bill brought joy to everyone around him. A lively storyteller Bill would often hold court telling stories of Quincy Point and his time in the Air Force. Bill was a “jack of all trades” who loved working on his home and lending a hand to his children with their own projects. His generosity, humor and warmth left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Bill’s life was a testament to love, faith, and community, and he will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his eight children: son William F. Parsley, Jr. and daughters Maureen LaBonte (husband Dan), Cate Parsley, Carolyn Parsley (wife Lib), Mary Pistorino (husband Bob), Joanne Blanchard (fiancé Rob Nelson); Nancy Daiute; and Jean Parsley. Cherished by his grandchildren: Kelly, Kaitlyn, Madison, Jack, Nolan, Michael, Isabelle, Frances, Domenic, Rachel, Catherine, Luke, Jared, John, Will, Noah, Owen, Joe and Avery. He also leaves behind his best friend and chosen brother, Jim Hartnett of Hingham; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved Gilmore In-Laws. Bill was predeceased by his brother John; four nieces whom he cherished dearly: Linda, Colleen, Lois, and Sharon; and his son-in-law Michael Blanchard.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 from 4-8 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rte 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital). A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024 in Sacred Heart Church, Weymouth at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory can be made online to Old Colony Hospice at www.OldColonyHospice.org, or by mail to Old Colony Hospice (Philanthropy Office), 321 Manley Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379.