June 22, 2026

OBITUARY: Father Rene L. Parent, M.S.

REGIONAL
Staff report

HARTFORD, Conn. — Father Rene L. Parent, M.S., 76, a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette, died on  June 21, 2026, at  La Salette House in Hartford.  He was born on July 2, 1949, in Holyoke.  His parents were the late Lionel and Doris (Bouthillier) Parent.  After attending grammar school in Holyoke, he attended high school at the La Salette Seminary in Cheshire, Conn., and junior college at the La Salette Seminary in Altamont, N.Y.  He attended Merrimack College in North Andover, Mass., and Washington Theological Coalition in Washington, DC.  Father Rene made his first vows on July 2, 1970, at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Hartford, Conn.; and his perpetual vows on Feb. 16, 1975, at the OSFS House of Studies in Washington, DC.  He was ordained to the priesthood on May 15, 1976, at the La Salette Seminary in Ipswich, Mass.

His first assignment was to Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Hartford, Conn., as parochial vicar.  From there, he became served as parochial vicar at Holy Trinity Parish in Westfield. In 1984, Father Rene served as parochial vicar of St. James Parish in Danielson, Conn.  He then ministered at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Hartford from 1988 to 1996.  He went on to become the co-pastor of St. Mary Parish in Jewett City, Conn.  From 2001 to 2022, Father Rene served in Holyoke and Westfield.  In 2023, he was assigned as parochial vicar at St. James Parish in Danielson, Conn., where he ministered until health reasons caused his move to the Missionaries of La Salette Hartford House in Connecticut. 

Father Rene was one of the very few La Salettes to have spent his entire 50 years of priesthood in parishes.  He was a very quiet and gentle soul who was much loved by the parishioners at the churches he ministered at.  As well as caring for his spiritual flock, he also helped his brother who had special needs, making sure he was well cared for.  His favorite pastime was golfing.

In addition to his La Salette community, Father Rene is survived by his cousin, Bruce Parent, of Connecticut.  He was predeceased by his brother, Paul Parent, and his aunt, Beverly (Haas) Parent.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. James Parish in Danielson, Conn.  Calling hours will be at St. James Parish on Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am.  Burial will follow at 2:30 pm at the Parent family plot in Notre Dame Cemetery, 63 Lyman St., in South Hadley.

Contributions in his memory may be made to: Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 331370, West Hartford, CT 06133.