William Henry Parmalee

William Henry (Laughing Bear) Parmalee Sr., 87, of Copake Lake, passed away on March 23, 2024 surrounded by his loving family at Columbia Memorial Hospital. He was born in Falls Village, Connecticut. The son of Jacob and Margaret (Dubey) Parmalee. He was a Marine who served during the Korean War. Bill worked for many years at Bristol’s and was also a self employed carpenter. He was an EMT with Copake Rescue and was a past Fire Chief for Copake Falls. An avid outdoorsman, he possessed a deep appreciation of Nature and all that it provides. He helped to pass that appreciation down  to a younger generation by serving as a Boy Scout Leader of troop 130. Bill had a deep respect and love for family, the Native American people and the great outdoors. 

William is survived by his wife, Joanne Parmalee, two sons; Ethan Parmalee and William  (Christine) Parmalee Jr. His grandchildren, Kenneth (Diana), Danielle (Justin), Meghan (Casey) & William III (Lorie). Six great grandchildren; Abby, Kaden, Adalina, Evianna, William IV, and Michael. He was the oldest of his siblings, Lydia Farmer, Margaret Ovitt, Jacob, Timothy and Michael Parmalee. Also his sister by heart, Judy Marks and he was loved by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Judith Machia and Marie Ovitt.

A private celebration of Bill’s life will take place at the convenience of the family. 

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