Rudolph Patrick “Rudy” Parent, of Salem, NH, born March 11, 1946 in Lawrence MA, son of Patrick and Bertha Parent, was reunited with his parents on Saturday May 27, 2017 at the age of 71. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, his biggest fans.

Rudy was an amazing man, whose love for his family was surpassed by no other. Along with his wife, he enjoyed planning family events; whether it was a trip to Hampton Beach, a sleepover adventure at Grammy & Papa’s house, a lazy day around the pool or the annual trip to Canobie Lake Park, Papa Rudy always ensured that a good time would be had and great memories were made. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Patricia (Lambert). Together they raised three smart, beautiful and successful children; Stephen of Derry, NH; Lisa and husband Steve Ouellet of Raymond, NH; and Michael and wife Kerry of Hooksett, NH. He will be forever remembered by his treasured grandchildren, Cassandra, Alyssa, Skyla, Alexander, Jacob, Erica, Kaycee, Julie, and Hunter, along with his great-granddaughter, Sawyer. In addition, he leaves behind an adorning sister Natalie Costa and husband Gilbert (NH); brother Donald Parent and wife Rochelle (FL). Rudy was predeceased by his siblings; two brothers, Delmar Parent and Roland Parent, four sisters; Della Ferris, Claudette King, Jacqueline Mannion, and Diane Calder.

Throughout his life, he had accomplished many things. He worked to become a master electrician in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and was a proud 45 year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union (I.B.E.W).  Rudy was most recently employed for the Boston Globe Newspaper from 1990 until his retirement in 2008. He started his career in 1970 as an electrical apprentice in Lawrence Local 522. In 1983 he was elected as Financial Secretary of Lawrence Local 522 and in 1986 he was elected as Business Manager of Lawrence Local 522. When the Lawrence Local 522 merged with Boston Local 103 in 1988, Rudy was retained as Business Agent to represent the Boston Local 103’s interest in the Merrimack Valley.

In 1986/1987, Rudy served on the Board of Directors of GOAL-QPC (Growth Oppurtunity Alliance of Greater Lawrence, INC), following along with the Edward Deming’s philosophy of Quality Assurance and empowering American Industry to make quality products.

Second to his family, Rudy had several passions in his life, including photography, gun collecting, computers and antiques. Most notable was his achievement on being considered an authority on Wallace Nutting (1861/1941), an early twentieth century creator of hand colored photographs and reproduction colonial furniture. In 1998 Rudy published an online library, containing over 1800 files and photographs on the life and works of Wallace Nutting, making obscure information available to antique collectors worldwide.

Papa Rudy will be missed, but his legacy, along with his signature dance move ‘The Papa Shuffle’, will live on in our hearts and remain present with us each and every day.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you spread love and kindness to others in Rudy’s name. Donations may be made to Lazarus House, 412 Hampshire Street, Lawrence, MA 01842 and Ingram Senior Center, 1 Sally Sweet Way, Salem, NH 03079.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 4th, 2017 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at the Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079, with a Mass on Monday, June 5th, 10:30 am at St. Joseph’s Parish, 40 Main Street, Salem NH. A graveside memorial service will be held directly following at Pine Grove Cemetery, 329 Main Street, Salem NH. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com.

Notice: The Mercy Meal for Rudy will be held at the Blackwater Grill, 43 Pelham Road, Salem NH 03079 directly following the graveside services on Monday, June 5, 2017. If you would like to attend, please email Lisa Ouellet directly lisao603@comcast.net or call our office 603-898-2181 and we will notify the family.

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