Thomas James Parsley

Thomas (Tom) James Parsley, a native of Crystal Lake, Illinois, born on July 26, 1932 in Cary, Illinois, to the late Rose Raska Parsley and the late William Francis Parsley, passed away at age 85 on June 22, 2018 at his home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Tom attended Crystal Lake High School and graduated from The University of Notre Dame, and earned a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University. After college, Tom served in the US Army and then worked as an educator, coach, and school administrator for many years. He was an original faculty member, athletic director and football coach at Marian Central Catholic High School, and a participant in the founding of McHenry County College. Tom enjoyed time with family, history, reading and crossword puzzles. He loved his family dearly and will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patricia (Patti) Hogan Parsley whom he married in 1964; his children Laura (David) Hunt, Nancy Parsley, Tom Parsley, Jim (Stacey) Parsley, and Jeanne (Brian) Rivera; his grandchildren Austin and Taylor Hunt, William, Thomas and Emma Parsley, and Jameson and Nathan Rivera; and his sister, Rose Suffoletto; and family member Trina Parsley. He also leaves behind his greatly loved dog, Molly. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bill Parsley; and his infant daughter, Debra.

Friends and family can pay their respects at the visitation on Thursday, July 5 beginning at 4:00 p.m., with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m. at Davenport Funeral Home, 419 East Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake. The funeral Mass is Friday, July 6 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake. Friends are invited to join the family for a luncheon at church following the mass. Burial will follow the luncheon at St. John Nepomucene Cemetery in Fox River Grove.

The family invites donations in Tom's name to Catholic Charities www.catholiccharities.net