Mr. Gerald J. Parent

Jerry Parent died Sept. 2, 2014, at the age of 88, in Indianapolis. He was born on Dec. 9, 1925, in New Bedford, Mass., the whaling capital of the world, to French-Canadian parents.

He grew up on a farm near Lafleche, in Saskatchewan, Canada. He and his seven brothers and sisters walked to a one-room schoolhouse and did their homework by the shared light of a single oil lamp.

When he was 12, his mother fell quite ill, and the children were scattered. Jerry arrived at Boys Town in Omaha, Neb. He spent six years there, graduating in 1944. He kept friends from Boys Town all of his days. He played guard on the school’s football team and played several instruments there, including the violin, clarinet and alto horn. He always regretted not continuing with his music.

After Pearl Harbor, at the age of 16 he fled to Canada to join the Royal Canadian Air Force before Father Flanagan found him and returned him to Boys Town. Jerry longed to be a pilot but could not pass the vision test, despite numerous attempts. He eventually joined the war effort, settling on the Navy, where at least he wouldn’t “die in the mud.”

On the G.I. bill, Jerry earned a degree in business at Creighton University in Omaha. He was the first member of his family to graduate from college. He moved to Indianapolis, where he met his future wife, Patricia Duffin, through the Young Catholics Association.

He worked for Gerber, Chrysler and, finally, RCA, where he spent 25 years as a cost analyst for televisions at the Sherman Drive plant. He was not passionate about the work, but he valued the stability his job provided for his family—something he had wished for in his own childhood.

He was a longtime member of Little Flower parish, where he served as a PTO officer. He liked bowling and bridge. He was a natural mechanic who handled most car and home repairs himself. He loved nothing better than sitting on the porch and watching a storm roll in, a shot of whiskey by his side.

Jerry was curious about the world. He followed politics and sports, especially the Colts and IU basketball. He avidly read newsmagazines and attended lectures on current events. He appreciated all types of food and enjoyed studying history and other cultures. Soon after retiring, he splurged on a cruise to Alaska. He could not resist a documentary, no matter how bizarre the topic.

He was a master storyteller, and often had listeners on the edge of their seats as he described a Little League play or a spectacular car crash. He was a jovial man with a flair for distinctive turns of phrase. He playfully teased his wife and children. He laughed loud and hard.

He remained active into his 80s, tending his garden and growing tomatoes. He frequently indulged in a burger and beer at the Golden Ace Inn and Sunday brunch with his daughter Alys. Jerry also reveled in a monthly poker game with friends.

He overcame many health challenges in recent years, leading one doctor to dub him “a tough old bird.” That he was.

He is survived by daughters Tawn Spicklemire (Steve), Jami Parent (Erik Novak) and Alys Parent; grandchildren Zach, Kami, Clay and Ruby Spicklemire, and Delia and Andre Novak; siblings Claire Lacoste, Lois Fortier, Annette Poitras, Al Parent, Muriel Goyette and Jeanne Levasseur. Dying before him were Patricia, his wife of 47 years; parents George and Blanche (Hamel); and brother Roger.

Visitation will be on Sunday, Sept. 7, from 3-5 p.m. at Feeney-Hornak Shadeland Mortuary. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Little Flower Catholic Church on Monday, Sept. 8, at 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities Indianapolis.