Charles Root Parsons, chairman of Parsons & Associates Inc., an insurance and risk management company in Syracuse since 1930, died on Monday, Aug. 8, 2016. He was 79.
Mr. Parsons, who was known as Chuck, was an innovator in the insurance business. In 1986 the agency was appointed as the New York state administrator for CNA’s Lawyers Professional Liability Program. The program started with a small number of brokers and has grown to more than 265 brokers today. He was president of the Professional Insurance Agents of New York in 1975-1976. In 1995 Mr. Parsons was named Insurance Person of Distinction at Syracuse I-Day. Always a firm believer in continuing education and risk management, he was recently honored with an award recognizing his 40 years as a Certified Insurance Counselor.
He was devoted to causes that improved the lives of citizens, most notably the Rescue Mission, where he served as president of its board of trustees, and was a member of Kiwanis.
Mr. Parsons was born in Syracuse, the son of Claire Root and John C. Parsons. Summers were spent at the family camp on Skaneateles Lake. He was educated at Deerfield Academy and Dartmouth College. After graduation, he served in the Army as a first lieutenant in the Second AC in Bamberg, Germany, where he met his wife, Elfriede, of 54 years. In 1961 he returned to Syracuse to join his father, founder of Parsons & Associates Inc., in the business. Today his sons, John and Robert, continue to lead the agency.
Surviving are his wife, Elfriede; sons, John C.  II (Lynda) and Robert M. (Sara); daughter, Kristin P. Thornton (Barry); five grandchildren, John III, Bailey, Jack, Connor, Agnes and a sister Martha (Dick) Paine, and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents John C. and Claire Parsons and sister Karen (Al) Duncker.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mercy Works, PO Box 3044, Syracuse, NY 13220.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.