Paul Parchinski, 70, of West Deptford, a deacon in the Camden Diocese since 2005, died Dec. 29.
Born in Blakely, Pa., Deacon Parchinski graduated from Archmere Academy in 1960, and received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Drexel Institute of Technology in 1967.
After college, he worked for New Jersey Zinc Co. in Gloucester City; Montecontini Edison in Italy; and Seaview Petroleum in Paulsboro, New Jersey.
After Seaview was taken over by Citgo, he became senior environmental advisor, until his retirement in 2001.
Deacon Parchinski served his home parish of Holy Angels in Woodbury, and regularly visited the sick and elderly at places such as Brightview Assisted Living, Woodbury Mews, and Sterling Assisted Living.
Deacon Parchinski also shared his gifts as a singer with four choral groups in the diocese: St. Patrick’s Church Choir, the Camden Diocesan Choir, the Cathedral Singers of Camden, and the Jubilate Deo Chorale.
Deacon Leo McBlain, director of the Office of the Diaconate for the Diocese of Camden, remembered a man who “was a competent and dedicated man who loved his ministry to his parish and to those who were sick. His friendly manner and his sense of humor made him welcome to those he visited.”
A funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 5 at Holy Angels Parish and interment was at New St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bellmawr.
Donations in his name may be made to Holy Angels Parish, 64 Cooper St., Woodbury, NJ 08096, or to St. John of God Community Services, 1145 Delsea Dr., Westville, NJ 08093.