William Parent

With much love and great sorrow, the family of William Parent announces his peaceful passing at his residence, surrounded by those he loved, on October 23, 2026.

Bill was raised and educated in North Agawam. A proud American, he honorably served his country in the United States Navy and was stationed in Newfoundland.

In 1960, he married the love of his life, Irene Machowski. Together, they welcomed their children and created a loving and nurturing home, instilling in them the values that would enrich their lives.

Bill was a generous man with a strong desire to serve his community. He was a dedicated member of the Agawam Fire Department for more than thirty years, rising through the ranks to Lieutenant and later Deputy Fire Chief. During his tenure, he crossed paths with many and was a devoted friend to all. Following his retirement, Bill was honored to serve as Interim Chief of the Granby Fire Department.

Outside of his service to the community, Bill enjoyed deep-sea fishing and snowmobiling. He especially looked forward to summers on Cape Cod with family and friends, where he had a boat he loved, although it rarely worked, appropriately named The Phantom.

Above all else, the most important part of Bill’s life was his family. He eagerly prepared Sunday dinners for family to gather as cooking was just one of the many ways he showed his love. Bill could fix just about anything and was always happiest when helping his family with a project or repair. He treasured summer cookouts with his wife, children, and grandchildren gathered around the pool.

Bill was also very fond of Zeus, whom he and Irene originally fostered before adopting. Zeus became his constant companion. After Zeus crossed the rainbow bridge, Bill was determined to adopt another dog, affectionately known as “Zeus #2,” and he did.

Bill had a heart filled with love, which he generously shared with everyone around him. He loved greeting each new day and making the most of the gifts he had been given. His devotion to his family, his friendship, his generosity, and his lifetime of service will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Surviving Bill are his beloved wife, Irene; his devoted children, William Jr. and his wife, Michelle;

Deanna Theroux and her husband, Steven; Marlayna Chriscola; and Michael Parent and his wife,

Cristina. To cherish his legacy, he leaves his adored grandchildren, Jacob, Adam, Halena,Vincent, Dominic, Elizabeth and Anna as well as his loving brother, Jack, and his wife, Carol. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his large extended family and many friends.

Visitation with Bill’s family will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Agawam Funeral Home,

184 Main Street, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., concluding with a service at the funeral home. Committalwith full military honors and firefighter honors will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans

Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions honoring Bill may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project