John R. Parente

John Parente left this World the same way he lived in it: surrounded by family, music and love. Born in Logansport, Indiana on August 27th, 1931 to Doris and Frank Parente, he was the first of four brothers. The family was “dirt poor” as he would say, but only if wealth is measured in dollars. While money was scarce, there was always Italian food cooking in the kitchen, a large Italian community to support him, and most of all, there was music. John’s Grandfather, Father, Uncles (and later, his brothers) all played instruments. It wasn’t long before Johnny picked up a clarinet, and it would change the course of his life.

John played dance gigs in high school (anyone catch the “Lamplighters”), gained admission to Indiana University School of Music, and became the first in his family to attend college. If you heard a freshman shouting “Hey, Don” repeatedly from the second story of the music school, it was just Johnny practicing his breathing technique. College took a detour when John was drafted into the Korean Conflict. His 21st birthday was spent on a train to basic training. He served in the United States Army, Big Red One, 33rd Field Artillery. But once more, music and John’s beloved clarinet would “save the day.” John was transferred into the 1st Division Army Band, where he spent the remainder of his tour traveling Europe and performing for the “brass” and the public in Germany. His years in the Army were among his most cherished. At his death, John was still wearing his dog tags.

Upon returning from service, John played a different tune at IU: love and marriage. He met his wife, Betty Hurley, on a blind date. It didn’t go well. There was arguing :-) Betty gave him a second chance, and the rest is a romance for the ages. His love for her truly was its own kind of music, and their happy marriage would last 63 years. Together, John and Betty raised three children, Rick Parente (Nan), Kim Parente-Monger (Tim) & Chris Parente (Luis Rios-Parente). The Parente kids gave John and Betty five grandchildren, Nick Parente (1983-2005), Scott Parente (Julie), Angie Monger (Dylan), Addy Monger (Adi), Michael Byrum (Lauren), step-grandson Justin Monger (Jackie); and three great grandchildren, Jemma, Seamus & Jolene, and the fulfillment of Dad’s greatest wish and deepest love: family. He loved being “Gramps.”

John’s professional career began and ended in education. He started as a music teacher in Tyner, Indiana (painting houses over the summer to raise extra cash for his new family). He loved his first years on Koontz Lake, home movies of his water skiing skills prove the point. John moved to West Lafayette, and spent the rest of his years as an educator with West Lafayette Public Schools. He taught science at Morton Elementary, before advancing to principal of Cumberland Elementary and later, Happy Hollow Elementary. In his years as principal, John impacted tens of thousands of students, teachers and parents. His compassionate and involved approach earned him “Indiana Principal Of The Year,” the “Sagamore of the Wabash” Award, induction into the “West Lafayette Wall Of Pride,” and most cherished by John, the love and respect of his students.

We would be remiss if we didn’t add how much John loved the forests and natural beauty of Indiana. Much of his life was spent camping with the “Elmwood Avenue” Crowd. First a tent, then a Starcraft pop up, and eventually the “Santana Santana Vana” RV, weekends and summers would find Johnny fishing, pointing out plants (leaves of three, let it be) identifying birds by their song, and sitting around a campfire.

Dad knew God lives in nature, in the love of family, and in music. He spent his life surrounded by all three. His return to Heaven was peaceful and gentle … for he’d been there all along.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate on his behalf to the West Lafayette Schools Education Foundation. https://wlsef.org/howtohelp/donate/