Lawrence Kent Parkhill, 78, passed away surrounded by loved ones on February 13th, 2025 at his home in Chippewa Township. He was known to his family and friends as Kent.

He was born in New Brighton on June 16th, 1946, the son of Lawrence Lusk Jr. and Jennie Clara Parkhill. Kent was raised in his hometown and graduated from New Brighton High School in 1964. He attended Geneva College, where he majored in English literature while working at the New Brighton YMCA. His commitment to the “Y” continued after graduation, where he first became the youth director and led the Y-camp program at Camp Kon-O-Kwee and was then promoted to executive director. After his time with the YMCA, Kent pursued his passion for leadership and communication by launching his own business in corporate training and motivational speaking. Through this work, he inspired and guided countless professionals, sharing his expertise in personal and organizational development. Later in his career, he also worked with Duquesne Light before returning to self-employment, continuing to impact others through his coaching and mentorship. In addition to his professional work, he was passionate about education and served as an adjunct professor in Geneva College’s degree completion program, where he shared his knowledge and love of learning with adult students pursuing their degrees.

He married Marcia Lee Ruch on June 26, 1971. Together, Kent and Marcia raised three children, Lawrence Jason (Angela), Brett Edward (Trish), and Brooke Susanne Graff (Adam). Kent was a devoted and loving father, always encouraging his children to follow their passions. His joy grew with the arrival of his grandchildren: Tristan and Jennie (children of Jason and Angela), Carson, Reese, and Keenan (children of Brett and Trish) and Ezra and Kyzer (children of Brooke and Adam). He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Joan Ruch, and a host of friends and wonderful neighbors that he considered family.

Kent will be remembered for his dedication to his family, church, and community. A man of integrity and compassion, he shared his wisdom and faith by teaching Sunday school for over 40 years, touching countless lives with his kindness and insight. His commitment to service included an appointment to the Chippewa Township Recreation Board where he worked to build community programs and outdoor spaces. He had a special talent for bringing joy to others, not only through his warm presence and quick wit but also through his love of magic. He delighted in performing tricks for family, friends, and even strangers, always eager to share a moment of wonder and laughter as a skilled magician. His presence brought comfort and joy to those around him, and his love for the outdoors, storytelling, a good joke, and a well-crafted book will be cherished by all who knew him.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 22nd at 11 A.M. at Chippewa United Methodist Church, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the McGuire Memorial Foundation, 545 Moon Clinton Road, Moon Township, PA 15108 or Chippewa United Methodist Church, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Professional services were entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.