Obituary of Richard L. Parker

Richard Lynn Parker, 90 passed away at Mercy House on November 12th after a brief illness. He is predeceased by his parents, Nellie and Wallace Parker and his sister, Marion Lounsbery. Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lillian (Jane) Parker and his children, Cheryl Bolas (Jay), and Karen Calkin (William), his grandchildren, Tyler, Troy, and Lynsey Calkin, and Madeleine and Joshua Bolas, his niece, Kathy Donahue, nephew, Neil Williamson and brother-in-law, Robert MacKenzie. Richard was born on March 27, 1932 in Marathon, NY. He attended school in Marathon and graduated from Broome Community College with a degree in mechanical engineering. He enlisted in the Navy after college as a naval officer and completed training to become a naval aviator. He was a patrol plane commander until leaving the navy in 1956. Richard met the love of his life at a wedding in Boston, where he was an usher and she was a bridesmaid. After leaving the military, the two were married and Richard accepted a job at IBM as a mechanical engineer. The two settled in Vestal after briefly living in Poughkeepsie. Richard worked at IBM for 35 years until his retirement in 1991. He was a faithful member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Endicott, where he was a Eucharistic Minister. Richard enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, traveling, and golfing, especially when he made a hole in one, which he did three times in his golf career. He also enjoyed working at Miller Auto Team where he drove dealer trades for 28 years. The family would like to thank Lourdes Hospital and Mercy House for the loving care of their husband and father. Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home, 300 E. Main Street, Endicott and a funeral service the following day on Thursday, November 17th at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Endicott at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Mercy House of Endicott or St. Paul's Episcopal Church.