T.A. "Andy" Parssinen

T. A “Andy” Parssinen died on February 1st, 2025, after a year-long struggle with a body that would no longer cooperate with his iron will.  Born in Mikkeli Finland in 1933, as a child he emigrated to the United States, where his parents worked as caretakers for various estates and boarding schools in New York, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. Andy’s emerging talent for engineering was influenced by the people and places he encountered in his early years, including the laboratory of Alfred Loomis, who is considered the father of radar in the US. While at High Mowing School in Wilton NH, Andy was encouraged to apply to prep school, and he finished his pre-college days at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA. He then pursued an Engineering degree, starting at Cornell University, and, once settled on Mechanical Engineering, finishing his degree at the University of New Hampshire. While at UNH, he met his soon to be wife, Nancy. 

 For a number of years, Andy worked at Joy Manufacturing, in a position that involved considerable travel to locations around North American, time in various mines and along road cuts as the Interstate system was built, and troubleshooting Joy rock drills. After a short stint at an automotive contractor, he launched several business ventures with various schoolmates from both Andover and Cornell. This culminated with the purchase of Wilton Pressed Metals in the mid 1980s, which continued until he was no longer able to physically participate in the business. Andy also was recruited by UNH to teach in the budding Engineering Technology program, which he did for 20 years.  

He leaves his wife Nancy, a son and daughter, and four grandchildren. No services are planned beyond a springtime burial of ashes at the family plot in Warner, NH. 

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