Michael Anthony Parmentier
April 1, 1944 ~ May 10, 2023
Col (USAFR, Ret) Michael Anthony Parmentier passed away, surrounded by his wife and his two sons, on May 10, 2023. He succumbed after a valiant battle with cancer.
Michael was born and died in Washington, D.C., but grew up in Meriden, Connecticut. His April 1st (1944) birthday was easy to remember, resulting in many humorous communications from his family and friends over the years. As a child, Michael was an athlete and a daily attendee of the Meriden Boys and Girls Club. As an adult, due to lifelong achievements and contributions to youth development programs he was inducted into the Boys and Girls Club Alumni Hall of Fame.
He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1966, where he was a proud member of 13th Squadron and treasured life-long friendships with his Red Tag classmates. At the Academy, he excelled in the classroom, as an athlete, and as a member of the Catholic Cadet Choir. He earned a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science.
Following graduation, Michael earned an M.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science from the prestigious Courant Institute of Mathematics at New York University. At NYU, Michael volunteered for Vietnam, but was instead sent to the Pentagon to serve in the Air Force Data Services Center. In 1974, he was selected to represent the Air Force at the Rand Corporation in Santa Monica, California. Michael enrolled in the Rand Graduate Institute (RGI) where he studied policy analysis, ABD for his PhD and earned a master’s degree from the Institute. In 1980, Michael joined the Defense Department as part of Robert McNamara’s famed “whiz kids” group in Program, Analysis & Evaluation (PA&E). Michael was the PA&E focal point for establishing, funding, and overseeing the U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Special Operations Command. In 1982, as a Senior Executive Fellow he attended the Kennedy School for Government at Harvard University where he studied Public Policy.
In 1990, as Director of Readiness and Training for DoD and a member of the Senior Executive Service, Michael conceived, developed, and captured funding for the groundbreaking Training Transformation and Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) programs. The ADL Initiative created the Sharable Content Object Reference Model, or SCORM, which became the standard for online learning and training and is still accepted worldwide as the industry paradigm for technology-based learning. ADL took the Country by SCORM! In recognition of his contributions to technology-enabled learning, Michael was inducted into the U.S. Distance Learning Association Hall of Fame.
Michael served DoD for 40 years. Integral to his lifelong achievements, Michael presented keynote addresses and lectures, led seminars, and moderated panels for national and international professional conferences on a wide spectrum of learning technologies.
After retiring from Federal service, Michael was an executive at Booz Allen Hamilton for 10 years and provided vision and leadership for their Learning Team. Despite stiff competition from other Booz projects, Michael and his team were the winners of the Booz Allen Excellence Award for “Joint Knowledge Online.” Michael was hailed as a selfless advocate for his team, propelling young members to important careers at Booz Allen. Subsequently, Michael continued as a consultant to Booz Allen for 5 years as the senior facilitator of the APEX program, a charm school for all new Senior Executives across the Defense Department.
While studying at NYU, Michael walked into an Irish pub in the Bronx one evening and met Gail Tobin. They fell in love, married, and he became an important member of a large Irish Catholic Family. The couple shared an exciting and loving 54-year marriage and raised two wonderful sons.
Michael and Gail enjoyed travel throughout the United States and exotic overseas destinations, but he and Gail prized time with their family the most, in both Vienna, VA and Vero Beach, FL. He frequently opened his home to family members who needed care. In one such instance, knowing Michael’s compassion, a terminally ill colleague asked Michael to care for the colleague’s immobile mother-in-law, which Michael did for numerous years.
Michael is survived by Gail, son Kyle (Ilga), son Chris (Courtney), sister (Leslie), and two beautiful granddaughters, Kaija and Charlotte, sister-in-law Mary Rita Sheehan, brothers-in-law Bill Tobin, Peter Tobin, Jerry Sheehan, 18 nieces and nephews, 27 great and 13 great-great nieces and nephews.
Mike led a generous, cheerful life, and had a great sense of humor. He was a true renaissance man and enjoyed playing golf; watching/critiquing baseball; gourmet cooking, deboning Turkeys ala Julia Child and baking many memorable trays of cookies. He was skilled at difficult NYT crosswords and sudoku. Michael was an electrician; a gardener; a sailor; a Vienna Little league baseball, soccer, and basketball coach; a mentor to his sons’ friends; and for 25 years an Associate Vincentian, where he assisted Gail in distributing funds to the needy from The St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Together, he and Gail were a magnificent team – a force of nature. His family, friends, and colleagues will delight in remembering his positive attitude, smiling eyes and perpetual grin. You never had a bad day if you spent time with Michael. He was known for character, decency, honor, and intelligence. Michael was a wonderful son, father, brother, friend, colleague, and husband.
A celebration of life will be held on July 13th at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Vienna, 10 am visitation with family and friends in the narthex, 11 am funeral mass, immediately followed by a reception at Westwood Country Club. Interment will be at Arlington Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations for the poor can be made to The St. Vincent de Paul Society Our Lady of Good Counsel Conference, 8601 Wolftrap Road, Vienna, Virginia 22182.
Michael was born and died in Washington, D.C., but grew up in Meriden, Connecticut. His April 1st (1944) birthday was easy to remember, resulting in many humorous communications from his family and friends over the years. As a child, Michael was an athlete and a daily attendee of the Meriden Boys and Girls Club. As an adult, due to lifelong achievements and contributions to youth development programs he was inducted into the Boys and Girls Club Alumni Hall of Fame.
He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1966, where he was a proud member of 13th Squadron and treasured life-long friendships with his Red Tag classmates. At the Academy, he excelled in the classroom, as an athlete, and as a member of the Catholic Cadet Choir. He earned a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science.
Following graduation, Michael earned an M.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science from the prestigious Courant Institute of Mathematics at New York University. At NYU, Michael volunteered for Vietnam, but was instead sent to the Pentagon to serve in the Air Force Data Services Center. In 1974, he was selected to represent the Air Force at the Rand Corporation in Santa Monica, California. Michael enrolled in the Rand Graduate Institute (RGI) where he studied policy analysis, ABD for his PhD and earned a master’s degree from the Institute. In 1980, Michael joined the Defense Department as part of Robert McNamara’s famed “whiz kids” group in Program, Analysis & Evaluation (PA&E). Michael was the PA&E focal point for establishing, funding, and overseeing the U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Special Operations Command. In 1982, as a Senior Executive Fellow he attended the Kennedy School for Government at Harvard University where he studied Public Policy.
In 1990, as Director of Readiness and Training for DoD and a member of the Senior Executive Service, Michael conceived, developed, and captured funding for the groundbreaking Training Transformation and Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) programs. The ADL Initiative created the Sharable Content Object Reference Model, or SCORM, which became the standard for online learning and training and is still accepted worldwide as the industry paradigm for technology-based learning. ADL took the Country by SCORM! In recognition of his contributions to technology-enabled learning, Michael was inducted into the U.S. Distance Learning Association Hall of Fame.
Michael served DoD for 40 years. Integral to his lifelong achievements, Michael presented keynote addresses and lectures, led seminars, and moderated panels for national and international professional conferences on a wide spectrum of learning technologies.
After retiring from Federal service, Michael was an executive at Booz Allen Hamilton for 10 years and provided vision and leadership for their Learning Team. Despite stiff competition from other Booz projects, Michael and his team were the winners of the Booz Allen Excellence Award for “Joint Knowledge Online.” Michael was hailed as a selfless advocate for his team, propelling young members to important careers at Booz Allen. Subsequently, Michael continued as a consultant to Booz Allen for 5 years as the senior facilitator of the APEX program, a charm school for all new Senior Executives across the Defense Department.
While studying at NYU, Michael walked into an Irish pub in the Bronx one evening and met Gail Tobin. They fell in love, married, and he became an important member of a large Irish Catholic Family. The couple shared an exciting and loving 54-year marriage and raised two wonderful sons.
Michael and Gail enjoyed travel throughout the United States and exotic overseas destinations, but he and Gail prized time with their family the most, in both Vienna, VA and Vero Beach, FL. He frequently opened his home to family members who needed care. In one such instance, knowing Michael’s compassion, a terminally ill colleague asked Michael to care for the colleague’s immobile mother-in-law, which Michael did for numerous years.
Michael is survived by Gail, son Kyle (Ilga), son Chris (Courtney), sister (Leslie), and two beautiful granddaughters, Kaija and Charlotte, sister-in-law Mary Rita Sheehan, brothers-in-law Bill Tobin, Peter Tobin, Jerry Sheehan, 18 nieces and nephews, 27 great and 13 great-great nieces and nephews.
Mike led a generous, cheerful life, and had a great sense of humor. He was a true renaissance man and enjoyed playing golf; watching/critiquing baseball; gourmet cooking, deboning Turkeys ala Julia Child and baking many memorable trays of cookies. He was skilled at difficult NYT crosswords and sudoku. Michael was an electrician; a gardener; a sailor; a Vienna Little league baseball, soccer, and basketball coach; a mentor to his sons’ friends; and for 25 years an Associate Vincentian, where he assisted Gail in distributing funds to the needy from The St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Together, he and Gail were a magnificent team – a force of nature. His family, friends, and colleagues will delight in remembering his positive attitude, smiling eyes and perpetual grin. You never had a bad day if you spent time with Michael. He was known for character, decency, honor, and intelligence. Michael was a wonderful son, father, brother, friend, colleague, and husband.
A celebration of life will be held on July 13th at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Vienna, 10 am visitation with family and friends in the narthex, 11 am funeral mass, immediately followed by a reception at Westwood Country Club. Interment will be at Arlington Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations for the poor can be made to The St. Vincent de Paul Society Our Lady of Good Counsel Conference, 8601 Wolftrap Road, Vienna, Virginia 22182.
Michael was one of the best leaders I have had the pleasure to serve. He was quick with his humor while making sure whatever we were developing was of the very highest quality. He made me a better consultant. i loved talking baseball with him. The world is dimmer with his loss.
Michael was absolutely the best leader, boss, mentor and friend. He demonstrated true servant leadership and was constantly looking for ways to encourage junior staff and provide opportunities to succeed. He was absolutely brilliant and helped bring out the best in everyone around him. His easy-going demeanor and goofy humor put everyone at ease. Lots of great memories from proposal rooms, holiday parties, APEX sessions, the JKO BEA award, and the Learning Team. There are so many moments of his life to celebrate and we were all blessed to have been a part of it!
Tracie
Thank you so much for your kind words about Michael ❤️
Gail
Debbie,
Thank you for your wonderful words about
Michael and also thank you for your prayers for our family. We are grateful for your support.
Love,
Gail
Gail and I buddied up in college. We were part of the female crew of BICs (Bronx Irish Catholics).On weekends, we would “bar hop” at the Irish pubs to sing and dance and drink (occassionally). I remember the night Gail met Michael. I truly believe it was love at first sight. By the time we graduated, I was honored to be a bridesmaid in their wedding. They were a beautiful and wonderful couple. It was meant to be!
Love – Dolores Rieth Hannon
Maureen,
WOW…what a wonderful tribute you wrote to Michael. His goal was to lead you and all his junior staff to success. Your success was his passion.
Thank you!
Gail
Dolores,
So wonderful that after 55 years you remember Michael’s and my first meeting, he had no idea what a BIC was but he soon found out!!
Thank you for your support.
Love you❤️
Gail
Dolores,
So wonderful that after 55 years you remember Michael’s and my first meeting, he had no idea what a BIC was but he soon found out!!
Love you❤️
Gail
Mike was an amazingly talented guy with more energy than any other two people put together. He and Gail made a true dynamic duo – always ready to help someone, go on an adventure, or share a dinner with friends. He will be missed! He was a remarkable man, and I count myself lucky that I knew him. Sending prayers and love that the Parmentier family’s many, many lovely memories will sustain them and give them comfort during this difficult time.
I’ve known Mike since fourth grade and remember him as a wonderful friend. We spent many hours at the Meriden Boys Club and were teammates on the Maloney H.S. basketball team. He led an exemplary life, may he rest in peace. I send my sincere and deepest condolences to his family.
Michael was an incredible leader to a Learning Team that was truly my first work family. He fostered a culture that found a remarkable balance between hard-working and easy-going…serious, yet silly. After reading about his incredible accomplishments throughout his life, I’m blown away by his humility. He truly put others ahead of himself at every opportunity. I am blessed to have known him. His legacy will continue to inspire me and serve as a model for the person I strive to be. We will miss you, Michael. ❤️
shocked to hear of his passing Never knew he was dealing with his illness. Such a great guy to be with Known him for years Hugh Loss Ray and Sheila Finnerty
My deepest condolences to Gail and the Parmentier family. Mike was a great mentor to me at both OSD/ADL and Booz Allen. I have many fond memories including the time we attended a Masie Conference in Dublin Ireland where Mike and Bob Downes ordered a very expensive bottle of wine that we shared and I am still trying to pay off that bill!
RIP Mike.
Thank you so much for your condolences.
Gail
My husband worked for Mike in the Pentagon and one memory we have of Mike is the annual Chili Cookoff contest at the office and how competitive Mike was at this even though he normally was easy going and relaxed. He really wanted to win and did win at least one year if I remember correctly. John had tremendous respect for him as his boss, and as a person.
John and Verne Walsh
Vern..
You are correct about the chili cook off!! Michael was serious about his cooking! Those competitions were wonderful.
Thank you for your donation to St. Vincent de Paul! Hope you both are doing well.
Gail
Vern..
You are correct about the chili cook off!! Michael was serious about his cooking! Those competitions were wonderful.
Thank you for your donation to St. Vincent de Paul! Hope you and John are doing well.
Gail
Dear Gail,
It is puzzling to me how life moves so fast with its many directions that we often lose touch with friends. You and Michael are such an example and that is a loss for me. We had many fun, delicious dinners together early in our marriages. And of course The Memory is our sail to the Bahamas – a great adventure, a large learning curve, and elements of danger for sure as in our sleepless night off Great Isaac Light while the winds roared, the seas rolled, and we prayed the anchor would hold! The trip provided many tales to add to Russ’ sailing sagas and you were brave to venture with us.
I am sad to know that Michael died. I remember his ever-present smile, his quiet way, his jokes, his kindness, his intellect, and his patience. He gave much to his family, his friends, church, and work. He is to be admired and remembered.
Love,
Sandra
Sandra,
I am so happy to read your comments. You and Russ were such a significant part of our lives when we were young. Sailing often on the Chesapeake and our adventure to the Bahamas were probably the best days of our early marriage in Virginia. I remember Great Isaac Light and how frightening it was. I remember a poem I wrote after, in part” the waves were so tall, it was never a squall.” We could not see the sky! I look forward to reconnecting with you.
Love, Gail
Sandra,
I am so happy to read your comments. You and Russ were such a significant part of our lives when we were young. Sailing often on the Chesapeake and our adventure to the Bahamas were probably the best days of our early marriage in Virginia. I remember Great Isaac Light and how frightening it was. I remember a poem I wrote after, in part” the waves were so tall, it was never a squall.” We could not see the sky! I look forward to reconnecting with you.
Much Love to you, Gail
Sincere Sympathy to Gail , Christopher, Kylie ,grandchildren, extended family and friends.
On the death of Michael May Michael rest in peace
Thinking of you all.
From IE your Irish cousins Michael and Maureen ODonovan Co Cork
Ireland
Maureen… Great to hear from you and Ireland! Thank you for your condolences. We very much appreciate your support.
Love, Gail
There is a live stream of Michael’s Mass on the 13th at 11am. You need to go to Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Vienna Virginia. I could not post the link here.
My last conversation with Michael was days before the «Celebration of Life » dinner I hosted for my late husband, Frank. Michael so much wanted to be there but his pain prevented him from so doing. He spoke about how much he hoped his grandchildren would remember him after his death. I told him they would always remember his ready smiles, jokes, laughter and love. Everyone who knew Michael loved him. He was a brilliant, caring, outgoing individual who always made you feel part of his world. We miss you, Michael. And our hearts go out to you, Gail.
-Marie Tapparo
Paul.. so good to hear from you . Michael cared about you. By the way, Michael assured me it was Bob Downes only who made that wine selection!! Hope you and you family are doing well. Gail
Paul.. so good to hear from you . Michael cared about you. By the way, Michael assured me it was Bob Downes only who made that wine selection!! We both loved hearing about your children, hope Lynda and both children are doing well. Gail
Paul.. so good to hear from you . Michael cared about you. By the way, Michael assured me it was Bob Downes only who made that wine selection!! We both loved hearing about your children, my best to Lynda and both children . Gail
Paul.. thanks for your note. Michael cared about you. By the way, Michael assured me it was Bob Downes only who made that wine selection!!
We both loved hearing about your children, my best to Lynda and both children . Gail
Paul.. thanks for your post.?Michael cared about you. By the way, Michael assured me it was Bob Downes only who made that wine selection!!
We both loved hearing about your children, my best to Lynda and both children . Gail
Paul.. thanks for your post. Michael believed in you. By the way, Michael assured me it was Bob Downes only who made that wine selection!!
We both loved hearing about your children, my best to Lynda and both children . Gail
Paul.. Michael believed in you. By the way, Michael assured me it was Bob Downes only who made that wine selection!!
We both loved hearing about your children, my best to Lynda and both children . Gail
Paul..
Michael cared about you.
By the way, Michael assured me it was Bob Downes only who made that wine selection!!
We both loved hearing about your children, my best to Lynda and both children .
Gail Parme
Dear Gail….I recently learned Michael passed away after his courageous battle. The sorrow I feel for you and your family is beyond words. I feel privileged that I got to know you two beyond the passing hellos during the time our kids were high school friends. Reading the obituary and learning of Michaels stellar accomplishments and the legacy he left in the business world was so impressive. He will forever be remembered as a bright, accomplished American who served his Country. I will remember him as the man who came into my world and immediately asked about me and my family, shared his love for his sons, and their families, and extolled the virtues of his beautiful Gail. My thoughts are forever with you….I, we, are so deeply sorry for your loss. Jack and Sharon Jurentkuff.