Obituary of David S. Parsons Sr.

David Stephen Parsons, Sr. left this world on Wednesday, February 28th at 12:01 AM. He was a resident of the NYS Veteran’s Home in Oxford, NY for the past five years. Dave was the 4th son born to Harry H. and Edith A. Parsons on September 30, 1937 in the home that was built by his great grandfather at 7 Pruyn Street, Bainbridge, NY. Dave joined his three brothers Bob, Ren and Bernie at home and they later welcomed his youngest brother Paul, making their family of five boys complete. These boys shared many adventures throughout their lives and enjoyed lifelong friendships. Dave graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1955 where he excelled in all sports, however, football and wrestling were his favorites. After school he joined the United States Army where he served two years. Upon being honorably discharged, he returned to Bainbridge where he started his lifelong career as a salesman. Dave first sold cars at a dealership and later opened his own dealership, Parsons Auto Sales. After a while, he found his true calling as a beer salesman for C.P. Campbell Distributing (Genesee was his favorite). Dave was well known in the Triple Cities by all his customers and met many “interesting” people throughout his career. Upon retiring from Campbell Distributing he acquired several businesses as well as rental properties in the Bainbridge area, however, owning Jerry’s Inn was his legacy. Most days AND nights you could find him at his round table where he would invite you for a cocktail and conversation. Many times, these discussions would lead to politics. There was never a question as to which side of the political aisle Dave was on. If you weren’t a Republican, you were better off not to say anything when politics was discussed. Dave also had an extraordinary love for wrestling. He was one of the founders of the Bainbridge Pee Wee Wrestling Club. He dedicated his time and resources for many years coaching and transporting boys all over New York State for the love of wrestling. When he owned Jerry’s Inn, he proudly displayed high school photos of some of the wrestlers that went through the pee wee program. Dave was a proud father to AT LEAST nine children: Robin (Eugene) Caratelli, Brenda (John) Parsons, Stephanie (Steve) Soldinger, Dave Parsons, Jr., Rick Parsons, Christopher (Gabrielle) Stillman, Danny (Heather) Parsons, Jillian Parsons, Thomas Parsons as well as 27 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews as well as his brother, Paul Parsons, cousins Bruce Parsons, Joanie (Parsons) Marino-Sobeski and Vicki Bush and his once wife, Faye Parsons, who visited him regularly and showed him love and compassion in the final years of his life. Dave was predeceased by his Mother, Edith Parsons; Father, Harry Parsons; Brothers, Robert, Renwick and Bernard Parsons and his Grandchildren Tyler Parsons and Linkyn LaCotta. Dave’s family would like to express their profound gratitude to the staff at the New York State Veteran’s Home for the care and compassion they showed him over the last five years of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the NYS Veteran’s Home or a charity of one’s choice. Visitation will take place at C.H. Landers Funeral Home in Sidney on Sunday, March 4th from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 5th at 12:01 PM at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Bainbridge.