Obituary

Millbury – The man, the myth, the legend Barry L. Parenteau, 70, of Millbury, passed away peacefully in his home with his family by his side on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Barry just celebrated his 41st wedding anniversary on December 27, with his loving wife Dale A. (Delaney) Parenteau.  Mr. Parenteau is also survived by his children, Laine Parenteau of Worcester, Malen Purcell-Estabrook and her husband, Scott of Falmouth and Sean McGinn of Florida.  Barry also leaves behind many close friends including Christina Corcoran who was like another daughter to Barry, and her husband, Patrick along with their children, Ayla, Braiden, Callen and Delaney.

Mr. Parenteau was born in Worcester, son of the late Paul L. and Lorraine M. (Crean) Parenteau. He is also predeceased by his daughter Kaley Parenteau who died in 2014 and a brother, Mark Parenteau who died in 2016.

Barry graduated from Saint John’s High School and then furthered his education at Bridgewater State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree.  While at Bridgewater State, Barry was a standout swimmer and broke school records in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle events.  He developed long lasting friendships that until recently still included ski trips with his college friends.

Mr. Parenteau worked for the Worcester Public Schools as a teacher from 1974 until 1982.  Barry started working at the College of the Holy Cross in 1975 and then was named the full-time aquatics director of the swimming and diving center at the Hart Recreation Center in 1983.  He would remain on staff for over four decades with the Holy Cross Athletics retiring in 2018.

Barry was the first head coach of the women’s swimming and diving program and later became the coach of the men’s swimming and diving program as well in 1996, and held both positions until his retirement.  Mr. Parenteau earned 241 wins as coach of the men’s and women’s program and was eighth on the all-time winningest coaches at the College of the Holy Cross upon his retirement.

Barry spent over 40 years with the American Red Cross training lifeguards throughout the Worcester area.  He also worked from 1975 thru 2018 as a football official with the CMFCO and the MAFO where he served two terms as president.  He may have lived a large amount of his adult life in Millbury, but he always considered himself to be a “Worcester Boy” and never forgot his roots in his home city.

Mr. Parenteau left a lasting impression on the lives of many and he will be forever remembered by the words of encouragement that he often shared, otherwise known as “Barryisms”, “Touch the ones you love”, “Appreciate what you have” and “Find the positive in everyday” are just a few.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Friday, January 28, 2022 from 5 to 7 PM in the Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home12 Hammond St., Worcester to celebrate and honor his life.  Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Parenteau may be made to Kaley Dale Parenteau Memorial scholarship thru Millbury Dollars for Scholars P.O. Box 361 Millbury Ma 01527

To share a memory of Barry or to sign his online guestbook, please visit www.Royfuneral.com

Directions to Funeral Home