Lawrence "Larry" Thompson Parrish, Jr.

On Saturday, October 22, 2022, Lawrence (Larry) Thompson Parrish, Jr. passed away at the age of 96. Larry, born April 21, 1926, always boasted about sharing a birthdate with Queen Elizabeth II, and remarkably died just a few weeks after her.

Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Lawrence Thompson Parrish, Sr. and the late Eleanor Buckman Parrish.

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Bess Parrish; brother-in-law Joseph Mitchell and wife Kathryne; nieces and nephews, Kathy Parrish Rowan, Steve and Lisa Parrish, Tom and Cathy Mitchell, Debbie Mitchell, Jim and Janet Mitchell, John and Amy Mitchell, and Nancy Lomax; and great nieces and nephews, Jilly Rowan, Holliann Russell Kim, Tim Russell, Angie Russell Modi, Rebecca Mitchell, Michael Mitchell, Chrisalyn Mitchell, Nicole Mitchell and Benjamin Mitchell. He was the beloved husband of the late Hannah Mitchell Parrish. 

Larry was a hard-working man. He was compassionate, joyful, full of wise advice, and had a great sense of humor. Many will remember how his good nature and enthusiastic stories could change the energy of an entire room. He was considered a gentle giant – a tall, muscular man who greeted everyone warmly and had a viselike handshake. His booming voice, warm open smile, and crew cut hair were trademarks of his appearance. Larry loved and was devoted to the many people in his life including his wife, Hannah, his nieces and nephews, and his many lifelong friends.

The Parrish family has called Kennett Square their home for five generations, including all of Larry’s 96 years. Larry graduated from Kennett High School and, throughout his life, frequented two of his favorite local haunts – Bunnie’s Ice Cream and Perkins restaurant.

He shared his sound business expertise with others through his participation on the boards of several local organizations, including the Building and Loan Society, the Friends Home in Kennett, New Garden Township, Grange, and New Garden Friends Meeting. Larry, along with his father and brother Hal, ran their dairy farm on Scarlett Road before Larry and Hal started Parrish Brothers Mushrooms, which they operated for 50 years.

The Kennett community has lost an influential member, but will forever be a better place because of Larry.

A Memorial Meeting for Worship will be at 2:00PM on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at New Garden Friends Meeting House, 875 Newark Rd, Toughkenamon, PA.  Burial in the adjoining burial ground will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Larry's name to Penn Medicine Hospice

https://www.pennmedicine.org/giving/ways-to-give

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