Thomas John Parnon

Tom loved people and people loved Tom. Born to John and Rosemarie Parnon on April 22, 1954 in Syosset, NY, Tom’s fun-loving, outgoing, and welcoming nature drew in all who were fortunate enough to meet him. Tom prioritized his family above all and developed many amazing friendships through each chapter of his wonderful life, which included captaining the varsity football and lacrosse teams at Dartmouth, attending Harvard Business School, leading several local information technology businesses, and deep involvement in the Darien community for over 45 years at organizations including the First Congregational Church of Darien, Darien Youth Lacrosse, Friends of Sellecks Woods, and many more.

Above all, Tom was a devoted husband to his wife, Debbie, through 47 amazing years of marriage. They met at Dartmouth and built an incredible family and a strong, connected community wherever they went.

Tom’s selflessness and impact on others was immeasurable. Although his decline was sudden, he was blessed to receive an outpouring of support from many whom he touched over the years. His family has been moved by their words and wanted to share a few excerpts that best reflect Tom’s emphasis on relationships and the man he was:

“You have always been one of the great ones. You’re leaving the world a better place.”

“My whole life, I’ve always felt a deep, close connection to Tom. He’s such a great person.”

“I want to be sure you know how much I’ve always admired and respected you. I love you.”

“One place that you’ve always been wrong, and that is that you’ve called me “a man-and-a-half”. You’re the “man-and-a-half” in every way. I’ve told hundreds of people over the years that the best guy I ever knew was my college roommate from Syosset, New York. You are a true friend, you are a wonderful father, and you are incredibly loved.”

Tom is survived by his wife, Debbie, three children Russell, Eric (Olivia), Geoffrey (Isa), grandson Nolan, brothers Mike and Fred, and countless family and friends whom he loved dearly.

A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Darien* (14 Brookside Road, Darien, CT) at 2pm on Sunday, August 23rd, followed immediately by a reception at Weed Beach** (155 Nearwater Lane, Darien, CT). All are welcome to celebrate the man we loved, just as Tom would have wanted.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First Congregational Church of Darien.

And now, the word is "so long," because in the Dartmouth fellowship there is no parting.

-John Sloan Dickey

*A live stream of the service will be available on the First Congregational Church of Darien website: https://uccdarien.org/

**Casual attire is encouraged for the beach reception.