WILMINGTON — It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Parnell Swain Crittenden, 66, of Amenia, NY and Wilmington, NC, on November 13, 2025, in New York City.
Parnell was born in Wilmington, NC, on February 11, 1959, the son of the late Thomas Lauriston Crittenden Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Swain Crittenden.
For those fortunate enough to know Parnell, you loved him for the person he was — devoted to his family, with a playful sense of humor and blessed with a laugh that could brighten even the hardest days. He had a way of making people feel at ease, meeting everyone with kindness and an ear to listen. Parnell expressed his love in many ways, but especially through cooking; his kitchen was a place of comfort, creativity, and countless memories shared over fantastic meals and late nights. He had a gift for lifting people up at exactly the moments they needed it most.
Guided by a vibrant entrepreneurial spark and a remarkable eye for style, he created his first branded clothing line at an early age, a testament to his heart and determination. From there, he founded an international button company. Above all, Parnell’s greatest joy came from the people he loved, especially his wife and daughter. His family will carry his spirit in the laughter he shared, the kindness he gave, and the love he leaves behind.
Parnell is survived by his wife, Patricia Mary Mengler Crittenden, of thirty-five years, and their daughter, Mary Elizabeth Crittenden Ford (m. Travis Ford). He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Lauriston Crittenden Jr., sister, Rebecca Peyton Crittenden Purnell (m. James Carstarphen Purnell IV), as well as beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation is planned for 3:00 – 6:00 pm on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel, 1617 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401, followed by the service at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Mount Lebanon Chapel, 814 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403. Burial will follow at a later date.
As Parnell was the recipient of a Lung Transplant, in lieu of flowers, please direct donations in Parnell’s memory to Mount Sinai Health System Lung Transplant Program.
Check Donations should be made out to Mount Sinai Health System and the Lung Transplant program written in the memo field. Mail the check to – Mount Sinai Hospital 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1232 New York, NY 10032.
