FMCA charter member Richard “Dick” Parece, F22, died on January 13, 2022, at age 92 after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for many years.
Dick and his wife, Nancy, were instrumental in the production of the very first issue of FMCA’s magazine – then called Family Motor Coaching – back in 1964. FMCA’s first president, Bob Richter, later noted that getting that first issue together was “an experience in mad logistics.” The magazine made several different stops in Massachusetts during production, which took place amid the worst onslaught of winter in the Northeast. Ultimately, the 36-page magazine was printed in the Pareces’ cellar print shop at their home in Natick, Massachusetts, two pages at a time. Approximately 500 copies were printed during the first run, and it was reprinted a few months later.
Dick was actively involved with the Northeastern chapter of FMCA, organizing many rallies for the group and serving as president and treasurer.
Dick was born in Medford, Massachusetts. He graduated from Medford High School and then Bentley College in Massachusetts. Dick joined the Army during the Korean War in 1951 and served until his honorable discharge as a corporal from the Army Reserves in 1957. He was a member of Amvets Post 79 and American Legion Post 107.
Dick and Nancy were married for 67 years. He was the president, owner, and cofounder of Bankers Group Purchasing Inc. for many years until his retirement.
His volunteer work included serving as commissioner of the Algonquin Council of the Boy Scouts of America (he was an Eagle Scout himself); coaching for the Natick Little League and Natick Comets hockey; and serving as treasurer for the Natick Comets. He was an avid New England sports fan, and his family shared that he truly loved attending his grand-children’s sports and activities.
They noted that he also will be remembered for telling jokes and long stories, traveling in his motorhomes, generously volunteering his time helping others, tackling any project, and enjoying time with family and friends.
Dick is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughter, Paula; sons Thomas and Steven; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant son and a grandson. Donations for research may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.