John W. Parsons, 84 of Hanover died on April 10, 2017 at the Brockton Health Center after a period of failing health. He was born in Brockton, son of the late John H. and Mary J. (Murrans) Parsons and was raised and educated there graduating from Brockton High School.

Mr. Parsons was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps having served in Korea where he was awarded the Purple Heart. He had been a longtime Rockland resident and has made his home in Hanover for the past 30 years. John was a member of the Whitman VFW, the Southeastern Massachusetts Corvette Club and he loved vegetable gardening.

He was a 40 year member of Local #4 of the Crane Operators Union for over 40 years before his retirement 20 years ago.

John was the father of John H. and James W. Parsons of Carver, Robert J. and Jackie J. Kelliher of Hanover, Pamela J. Grigas of Marshfield and the late Maryanne Parsons. He was the brother of the late Helen Kiley. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

The family welcomes family and friends to celebrate his life on Monday April 17, 2017 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, 135 Union Street in Rockland. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday April 18, 2017 at 9:00 AM at Holy Family Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 12:45 PM.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Rockland Veteran's Memorial, 242 Union Street Rockland, MA 02370.