Bob Parsons — Living a Life of Accomplishment
BY SAUL RESNICK
This is part of a series the Sun will run about seniors who make contributions to a better life for all of the citizens of Haddonfield.
It’s not the number of years you live,
It’s time you spend with what you give,
It’s help and effort for your fellow man,
Throughout the length of lifetime’s span.
Bob Parsons is 80, but still has the youthful look of the 55-year-old businessman he once was; the fountain of youth has done well by Bob. And Bob has done superbly on innumerable fronts for people, and is still going strong.
Community service is a big part of Bob’s life in Haddonfield, where he and his wife Grace have lived for more than 43 years, and where they raised three children, all-successful in their own right — and have three grandchildren.
“I was very proud to receive the Haddonfield Citizen of the Year Award in 2013, and the Richard E. Driscoll Community Service Award in 2001, as well as Haddonfield High School’s Hall of Fame Recognition Award in 1995 and the school’s Athletic Booster Club Award in 1992,” said Bob. “Also, I’m a member of the Haddonfield Celebrations Committee, secretary of the Haddonfield Civic Association, and involved in many other community activities.”
Another special joy in Bob’s very active life is announcing Haddonfield Memorial High School’s home football games for the past 27 years, where his colorful anecdotes and humorous observations, including his Don
Rickles imitations, during the games have gained him some fame and Philadelphia Inquirer coverage.
Bob is also known as “Video Bob.” He has videotaped almost 1,200 Haddonfield events over the years and has a home library of them to prove it.
A dyed-in-the-wool Hoosier and native of Indianapolis, Bob credits his accomplishments to his strict upbringing by his parents, Rose and Clarence, and their enthusiastic support. Bob served in the U.S. Army for 29 months in Germany, and had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe during leaves.
Finally, Bob is a blood donor, plasma and platelets, to the Red Cross, having donated almost 210 times over the years.
That’s Bob, living with a spirit of giving to people.
If you are interested in joining the Haddonfield 65 Club call Bill Brown at (856) 429–4368 or email billbrown08033@aol.com for more information.
