Robert "Bob" Parsons

Robert John Parsons, 78, born on June 24, 1936, in Bedford, Ohio, went to be with the Lord on May 17, 2015, surrounded by his daughters. Bob was residing in Laguna Hills, California at the time of his passing. Predeceased by his parents Leo and Stella Puzynski and elder brother Don, he is survived by his younger brother, Dr. Lee Parsons. Bob grew up in the Cleveland area and attended Benedictine High School. He earned his Bachelors Degree from Ohio Northern University, originally attending the College of Pharmacy, but ultimately deciding to pursue a career in Teaching. Before graduating from ONU, he was married. After the birth of their first daughter Lori, the family relocated to Arizona where their second daughter, Robbin, was born. Bob continued his Postgraduate education there and earned his Masters Degree in Education from Arizona State University. Eventually, Bob called California home.

Bob maintained a colorful resume including positions as a Landlord, Police Officer, Referee, Coach, Manager, Counselor, Actor, Model, Bartender, Radio Talent, Restaurateur, and an Usher for both the Anaheim Angels and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. He discovered his true calling while teaching at Bishop Amat Memorial High School. His classroom was his stage, and he had a genuine passion for teaching and inspiring his students to greatness! During his twenty-five year tenure at Amat, he taught English, Drama and Driver's Ed Training. While serving as the school's Public Affairs Director, he was instrumental in organizing the annual Talent Show and the Japanese exchange student program with sister school, Oki Gakuen in Japan. A huge fan of the Notre Dame University football
 program, he wrote letters on behalf of his student athletes to Lou Holtz and other coaches requesting their consideration when recruiting players. Upon retiring from teaching, Bob's love of baseball enticed him to work as an usher for the California Angels. He was selected to work on the media level, and his sanguine personality and quick wit engaged many players, celebrities and announcers visiting and working in the press box.

Perhaps his crowning glory was his love for his family. He was proud of his girls and would brag about Lori following in his footsteps as a teacher and Robbin's Naval career. His four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive him. Anyone who knows Bob is aware of his patriotic spirit and love of "the Duke" and Elvis. In a way, he embodied both of his heroes. Aptly described as a "Genuine Gentle Giant" by one of his students, he was larger than life, yet lived a humble existence. He resided in Upland, CA for nearly forty years and his neighbors often found him working in the yard, sharing the latest joke or tending to his rose garden. He never knew a stranger and is already missed by many, but his legacy lives on. Please feel free to share your memories of Bob in the Memory Book or you can reach out to the family at TCB.bobby@gmail.com.