Van Buren/Lehigh Acres---Richard Parent, 71, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at a Florida

health care facility. He was born in _Bristol, Connecticut on 11/1/1951 son of the late Martin and Loretta

Parent. Chid was an avid sportsman he played and lettered in Basketball, Soccer, Baseball in high

school. He continued to coach as a young teacher and enjoyed working with students in the senate and

the school store. Chid could be found at the clock table for basketball and soccer games, he did not

hesitate to help Susan ready the playing fields for the many championship games. He was a super fan,

cheering the coaches and players. In Florida retirement, he watched the red socks and bragged about

his grandsons. If you knew Chidley you knew you would be treated to a story, you could not hurry him

anywhere, he had to greet everyone and tell a special something. He was kind to everyone. Richard was

employed by SAD #24 for 29 years and taught in the History department. He loved to teach his students

how the government worked. His other Career took him to the border for 21 years welcoming many

home , using his gift of duel language to make the border less frighting. Richard had a strong moral

compass that proved him well throughout his lifetime. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Parent of

Lehigh Acres, FL; his step-children, Timberly Sweeney and son-in-law, Sean of Tewksbury, MA, and

Thomas Houghton, IV of Fort Myers, FL; four grandchildren, Antoria Sweeney, Timothy Sweeney, Thomas

Houghton, V, Evan Houghton; a special niece, Michelle Ayotte and her companion Carl Flynn; nieces and

nephews, Kristy Dube, Jason Parent, John Rider, Ellen Rider, Jay Rider, Adam Rider, and Megan Rider; one

brother, John Parent and his wife Muriel of Van Buren; two sisters, Martine St. Pierre and Martha Parent

both of Van Buren; his brothers-in-law, Alan Rider and his wife Beth, and Rick Rider and his wife Shelly;

many great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many of his former students he thought of as his

own KIDS. He was predeceased by his brother, Donald Parent and his loving pup, Cammie Girl. A Mass of

Christian Burial will be celebrated 10am on May 19, 2023, at the St. Bruno Church in Van Buren. Relatives

and friends may call at Lajoie Funeral Home in Van Buren from 6pm-8pm on Thursday, May 18. There will

be no visitation before the Mass on Friday. Contributions in Chid's memory may be to purchase new

benches for the tennis/pickleball courts, C/O Leah Levasseur, 169 Main St., Van Buren, ME 04785.