Mr. Jesse L Parrish

WATERBURY – With heavy hearts, the family of Jesse Lee Parrish, age 77, announces his peaceful passing at home on Saturday, June 28, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Jesse was the devoted husband of Dianna Hunter Stenson Parrish, with whom he shared 54 beautiful years of marriage.

Born on October 6, 1947, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Jesse was the son of the late Connie Parrish Walters and Clarence Dunn, and the stepson of Robert Walter Sr. He was lovingly raised by Mr. Hurbert and Bell Teasley. A graduate of DuBois High School, Jesse later moved to Waterbury, Connecticut, where he built a life rooted in family and community.

Jesse worked at Scoville Manufacturing, and a school bus driver for the city of Waterbury. He retired from Southbury Training School with over 20 years of dedicated service, where he also served as a proud 1199 Union Steward. After retirement he went back to work briefly as a driver with Cardinal Driving Services of Wolcott.

A man of many passions, Jesse loved sports. He played and managed the “Unknowns” softball team, enjoyed bowling, playing cards, and listening to music. His vibrant presence lit up every room, and he had a way of making everyone feel his warmth and humor.Jesse will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends

Jesse leaves behind his loving wife, Dianna; his daughter, Jacquline Gilmore of North Carolina; his stepson, Marvin Stenson Sr.; and his niece, LaTara Heminway, who was raised in his home. He also leaves eight cherished grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his brothers: Robert Walter Jr., Major Walter, Charlie Walter, Michel Walter, and Aaron Dunn, all of North Carolina; Harry Walter of Portland, Oregon; and his sisters: Mary Cates of New Jersey, Doris A. Dunn of Nevada, Pam Caesar, Shirley Walters, Patricia Perry, Carolyn Dianna Smith, and stepsister Lisa Smily, all of North Carolina.

A Memorial Service for Jesse will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06705. Burial will follow in New Pine Grove Cemetery, Waterbury. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with the Parrish family on Tuesday from 10:00 until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m.Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence,words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you on the funeral home website. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit the funeral at www.caseyfunerals.com