Bernie Parent had a special connection with Philly sports fans, right till the end.

Parent, the goalie and essential player on two Flyers’ championship teams, died Sunday at his home in Avalon, N.J. He was 80.

But he had been out in public as recently as last week, doing what he did — attending events, connecting with fans, and brightening everyone’s day.

Parent was in Delaware last Wednesday to support the premiere of “Spinners,” a new play by Philly sportswriting legend and playwright Ray Didinger . WHYY’s Peter Crimmins spoke to him before the event about the subject of the play, a hockey player named Brian Spinner. But being Parent, they talked about life as much as sports.

“When you go in life, not just in sports but life in general, be part of a good team. Associate yourself

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