Philip Joseph Parenteau, 94, of Hyde Park and of South Kortright passed away peacefully on September 22, under the compassionate care of Branford Hospice while residing at Whitney Center in Hamden, CT.

Philip and his twin brother Arthur were born in Poughkeepsie to Joseph Leo and Marion (Rohan) Parenteau. Knowing that Phil has joined his family in eternal rest after a long and blessed life, gives us great comfort.

Phil graduated in 1950 from Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School. After high school, Phil became a plumber. He enjoyed learning the trade and became the right-hand man for the owner of Frank & Lindy Plumbing and Heating Service Company of Peekskill. From 1955 until 1957, Phil served in the US Navy where he was trained as a Crash Retrieval Expert on the aircraft carrier, USS Antietam. In 1957, Phil landed his dream job and began his distinguished career with the New York State Police. Phil started his employment with the NYSP in-uniform, originally stationed in Margaretville. Within 4 years Phil became an Investigator with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, a position he worked in until his retirement in 1977. Phil continued to demonstrate his leadership by then working as the Director of Public Safety at SUNY Delhi, retiring in 1995.

Beyond his careers, Phil demonstrated his deep commitment to public service. Being a true lawman and having a strong sense of right and wrong, Phil honorably served his community as a Town Justice for the Town of Stamford. He contributed to local education as an active and dedicated member of the Board of Education at the South Kortright Central School throughout the 1980s. Phil was also a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 50 years.

Phil greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. His favorites included hunting white tail deer in New York, caribou and moose in Canada, pheasants locally and in South Dakota; and fishing for trout and other local species in Delaware County, and coho salmon on Lake Ontario and in the Salmon River. Phil was generous with everything he had, and he took great pleasure in sharing the rewards of his efforts with family and friends.

Phil spoke very fondly of his family to everyone he met, and his proudest legacy is his three children, his granddaughter and her family. Phil is survived by his children, Philip (Roxana) Parenteau, Jean Parenteau, Kristin Parenteau (married to Jeff Kovalsick), his granddaughter, Shylabeth (Ryan) Taylor, and his great grandchildren, Jack Philip and Emmy Jean. Phil is also survived by beloved members of the Zitz family, the Sanford family, the Cunningham family, and several close friends. Phil was a devoted family man who cared deeply for the family who preceded him in death, including Barbara Cunningham, his fiancée. He was embraced as a vital part of Barb's family for 37 years, and he served proudly as the only grandfather many of her grandchildren ever knew.

Calling hours and a funeral service to honor Phil will take place at Sweet's Funeral Home in Hyde Park. Relatives and friends may call from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery in Poughkeepsie, NY. In lieu of flowers, Phil's family respectfully requests memorial donations to NYS Troopers PBA Signal 30 Benefit Fund (nystpba.org). An act of kindness in Phil's memory would also be most welcome.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Route 9, Hyde Park. To send an online condolence, or for directions, please visit Philip's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.