Robert Parnell, age 87, of Tinton Falls, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Born in Brooklyn, NY on November 22, 1936, Robert grew up in the Mapleton section near 18th avenue on 62nd street. He attended St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church and Grammar School. After graduation, Robert attended St. John’s Preparatory School in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens where he distinguished himself as the sports editor for the school newspaper, The Red Owl. His talent for writing and reporting earned him the nickname, “Scoop” by his classmates.
Growing up, Robert was a passionate baseball fan with a strong love for the Brooklyn Dodgers. His favorite Dodger was Jackie Robinson, whose electrifying steals of home embodied the excitement and spirit of the game for Robert. He never forgave Walter O’Malley for moving the team to Los Angeles.
Robert’s love affair with the University of Notre Dame began as a young boy listening to the Fighting Irish football games on the radio and watching them on TV. After graduating from St. John’s Prep, Robert went on to attend Notre Dame, earning a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1958, 1960, and 1963, respectively. He then moved to New Jersey, working as an electrical engineer at Bell Labs in Holmdel, NJ for 35 years, where he also played catcher for the Bell Labs Road Runners Men’s Softball Team, proudly wearing his battle scars. After retiring, he taught math in the Long Branch School District and Asbury Park Middle School. Throughout this time, Robert continued to be connected to his beloved Alma Mater, serving as a football scout for nearly three decades. Every fall, Robert would make a trip out to South Bend with family and friends to root on the Fighting Irish and reconnect with old classmates.
Robert’s greatest passion was his Roman Catholic faith, which he shared with family, friends and people from all walks of life. His love for Christ and His pilgrim Church on Earth was evident in how he carried himself, cared for his family, his deep devotion to daily prayer, and regularly attending the sacraments. A parishioner at St. Catharine’s in Holmdel, NJ for 20 years, Robert was active in many ministries, including serving as an extraordinary minister at mass on Sunday mornings. Robert also enjoyed volunteering with the Missionaries of Charity in Asbury Park, NJ. His proudest achievement was passing on his Roman Catholic faith to his two sons, Thomas and David.
A dedicated father, Robert loved coaching his sons in baseball, spending countless hours behind the plate catching, throwing batting practice, and cheering them on. His commitment to teaching the game was matched by his devotion to his family.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Linda; his two sons, David Parnell, Thomas Parnell and his wife, Colleen Manning Parnell; and his grandchildren, Liam and Gabriella.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 9:30 am at St. Anthony of Padua RC Church, 121 Bridge Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown, NJ. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Red Bank Oratory, 27 Oratory Way, Red Bank, NJ 07701 or Embracing Hospice Care, 3349 State Route 138, Bldg D, Suite F, Wall, NJ 07791.
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