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Parson was born July 15, 1928, to Harry L. Parson and Irene Young in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a graduate of Talladega College in Alabama. After college he joined the Army and earned the rank of lieutenant during his four years of service. After the military he graduated from Northwestern University in Chicago and received his MBA.
Parson started his long work career in Chicago at American Airlines in 1955. He quickly worked his way through five promotions to become American Airlines' first African American flight reservationist. Years later he left American and accepted a position as a director of Marketing and Advertising for Time Magazine in Manhattan. After Time Magazine he moved on to Equitable Life where he was a vice president of Advertising. He retired from Equitable Life but remained active in politics and education.
He was a board member for City of Stamford Zoning, chairman, Stamford Police Foundation, board member, City of Stamford Planning, member, State Street Debating Society; member, Democrat – City Committee, former board member, Talladega College, former president, NAACP Stamford Charter and visiting professor, Loyola University in New Orleans and at Talladega College in Alabama.
Parson is survived by his wife, JJ Parson; daughter, Eve Cynthia Parson; son, Harry L. Parson III, (Kristal); two grandsons; and many friends and family.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home. 2900 Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06905-4304.
For more information, please visit: www.leopgallagherstamford.com
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