Calvin James Parrish

Calvin James Parrish, 39 years old of Coventry, Connecticut passed away unexpectedly in his home on Thursday, December 15, 2022. He was born in Garland, Texas on August 10, 1983 & spent some time in Florida as a young boy before moving North to Connecticut in 1989. He was predeceased by his paternal Grandfather, Edward Allen Parrish of Goldsboro, NC, as well as his maternal Grandmother, Marcella Ann Fitzwater of Mesquite, TX. 

Calvin leaves behind his father, Gregory James Parrish, of Goldsboro, NC, his mother Rebecca Ann Shanks of Mesquite, TX, his younger sister, Amanda Renee Parrish of Portland, CT, his three children; Gavin James Parrish (19) & Anna Marie Parrish (17) of Unionville, CT, as well as Emma Michele Parrish (16) of East Hartford, CT, along with his granddaughter, Elle Mae Schmidt (6 months) of Unionville, CT, his older sister Cassie Marie Hansen, of Rowlett, TX, the mothers of his children, Lianne Ellen O’Leary of Unionville, CT & Michele Marie Dube of East Hartford, CT, his brother-in-law, Thomas Williamson & nephew & nieces, Sam, Ella & Nora of Portland, CT, nieces & nephews, Zachariah, Emery, Phoebe & Benjamin of Rowlett, TX, paternal Grandmother, Louanne Parrish of Goldsboro, NC, stepmother Deborah Wassil of Goldsboro, NC, stepbrother, Christopher McKissick & wife Janelle of Gulfport, MS & their sons, Zachary, Nathaniel & Lucas, stepbrother Kevin & his children, as well as many other extended family members, including, Aunts, Uncles & cousins. Calvin was also very loved by & welcomed into the Lamprecht Family of Coventry, CT, who opened their home & hearts to him over 9 years ago; Katey, his best friend, her husband Ray & their three children Sally (14), Brayden (12) & George (5), and lastly, Alyssa Rae Suitter, a dear friend for many years of Vernon, CT.

Calvin was a man of deep thought, but he also loved to laugh & make others laugh, he was clever, quick-witted & he lit up a room with his sense of humor. Calvin was a die-hard Washington Redskins fan & you’d almost always see him donning a Redskins cap. He enjoyed flint knapping & had been talking about getting back into it, he also wanted to start blacksmithing & enjoyed hiking on the trail behind his house as well as kayaking on Coventry Lake. Calvin loved going to Bigelow Hollow State Park with his friends & he enjoyed simply just spending time with his little buddy George. Calvin appreciated the night sky & his three children were his ‘three stars’. He was a kind hearted soul & would often write to get his feelings out. Calvin made a delicious pizza pie & had just begun at a new restaurant, the owner praised him, stating Calvin “made the best pizza” he had ever tried. Calvin also loved animals, music, drawing & his favorite book from his adolescence was ‘The Catcher in Rye’. He was a collector of swords & knives & he always seemed to be searching for the meaning of life. His passing has left a hole in the hearts of his family, close friends & undoubtedly others who he crossed paths with. Calvin’s time here was cut short & he will be deeply missed. 

There will be an intimate gathering for a Memorial Service to remember Calvin on Friday, December 30, 2022 beginning at 1:00 PM, held at Indian Hill Cemetery, 383 Washington Street, Middletown, CT 06457