Howard Parnes, partner at Houlihan-Parnes Realtors passes away at age 86

Howard Parnes, Houlihan-Parnes Realtors

White Plains, NY Howard Parnes, partner of Houlihan-Parnes Realtors, passed away at age 86 on April 21, leaving behind his devoted family.

Parnes joined forces in 1967 with the long-established Houlihan firm run by James Houlihan and Daniel Houlihan. The firm, which became known as Houlihan-Parnes Realtors, celebrates its 125^th anniversary next month.

Parnes was known in the industry for being active in purchasing and selling real estate for over 56 years, and he brought a wealth of experience to any transaction.

He was involved in the acquisition, ownership and/or sale of over 5,000 properties, not only throughout the New York area but also throughout the United States and in the Caribbean. His extensive career covered virtually all types of investment real estate. He specialized principally in shopping centers and taxpayers, along with high-rise, mid-rise and garden apartment buildings.

At Houlihan-Parnes Realtors, Parnes established a mortgage servicing company, as well as a management company to run his various properties in New York and nationwide. Parnes and his staff formed investor groups, arranged financing with the assistance of the Houlihan Parnes Realtors’ mortgage brokerage department, and performed the due diligence and handled the closings on over $3 billion dollars of real estate in the U.S.

Parnes was affiliated with The Bronx/Manhattan Board of Realtors, the Real Estate Board of New York, and the Westchester Board of Realtors.

A dedicated philanthropist, Parnes constructed three wings for an old age home, Hogar de Ancianos, in La Romana, Domincan Republic. This included building an infirmary with a medical office, a reception hall where patients may congregate and have social activities, a new kitchen and fully furnished dining room, as well as a dormitory with sleeping quarters. Parnes was also involved in the orphanage “Hogar de Nino” and donated money for the medical equipment of the Romana Central Hospital. Nearby at the Casa de Campo resort, he also developed many vacation homes and villas there as well. He was an avid fisherman, boater, wild-game hunter and enjoyed extensive international travel aboard his yachts, with many family and friends.

Parnes, who personified the great American success story, rose from humble beginnings in Brooklyn and the Bronx to great heights. He was beloved by many in the real estate community. He served as a great mentor, friend and inspiration to many who came in contact with him.

He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends, partners and business associates throughout the industry.