Father Rene L. Parent, M.S., 76, a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette, died on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at our La Salette House in Hartford.  He was born on July 2, 1949, in Holyoke, Massachusetts.  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, CT, and Junior College at the La Salette Seminary in Altamont, NY.  He attended Merrimack College in N. Andover, MA; and Washington Theological Coalition in Washington, DC.  Father made his First Vows on July 2, 1970, at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Hartford, CT; and his Perpetual Vows on February 16, 1975, at the O.S.F.S. House of Studies in Washington, DC.  He was ordained to the priesthood on May 15, 1976, at the La Salette Seminary in Ipswich, MA.

His first assignment was to Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Hartford, CT as Assistant Pastor.  From there, he became the Assistant Pastor of Holy Trinity in Westfield, MA. In 1984, Father was the Associate Pastor of St. James Parish in Danielson, CT.  He then ministered at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Hartford, CT from 1988 to 1996.  He went on to become the Co-Pastor of St. Mary Parish in Jewett City, CT.  From 2001 to 2022, Father Rene served God's people in Holyoke, MA and Westfield, MA.  In 2023, he was assigned as Parochial Vicar of St. James Parish in Danielson, CT, where he ministered until health reasons caused his move to the Missionaries of La Salette Hartford House in CT.

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 Parent is survived by his cousin, Bruce Parent of CT.  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, CT.  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 Street, S. Hadley, MA.

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. The Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, Wethersfield, CT has charge of arrangements. To share a memory, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com