Gerald D Parker, a longtime resident of Townsend, Massachusetts passed away in Boise, Idaho on August 29th following a period of failing health. Gerald (Jerry) was born to Thomas and Louise (Murphy) Parker on February 8, 1945, in Johnson City, NY. The youngest of three children, Jerry is predeceased by his brother, Thomas Parker and sister Joyce Kunkle.
Jerry was a proud veteran of the US Army having served from 1964-1984. He retired as a Sargent First Class with a record of deployments in Vietnam, South Korea, Italy and Germany. His military decorations included a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Vietnam Service medal.
Jerry met the love of his life, Marion (Smith) Parker on March 7, 1964, a date he never failed to recognize each year, presenting his “Honey Bun” with flowers. Marion and Jerry were married on July 11, 1965, at Our Lady of Grace, in Everett, Massachusetts.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Marion and five children Wendy Briggs, Charlestown, NH; Micheal Parker (Jennifer), Boise, ID; Coleen Parker, Townsend, MA, Diane Town (Joseph) Charlestown, NH, and Andrew Parker (Tasha), Boise, ID.
Jerry was further survived by twelve grandchildren Nicole, Ashley, Austin, Sarah, Kyle, Jacob, Nathaniel, Christian, Katherine, Shea, Julianna and Joshua. As well as seven great grandchildren Madison, Aaliyah, Parker, Kendall, Benjamin, Samuel, and Kaiden.
Predeceasing Jerry were his parents, siblings and five brother-in-law’s, two sister-in-law’s and two nephews.
Jerry was a loving family man, known particularly for his devotion to his wife, Marion. An attentive and dedicated father, papa and uncle. Jerry opened his heart well beyond his family members. For decades the Parker family home welcomed family and friends with open arms, providing refuge and support for extended family and a number of young people including a special bond with Anthony Rowell.
Following his military career, Jerry worked for several years in the Fort Deven’s Commissary as well as various other retail grocers, ultimately retiring from Hannaford in Townsend, Massachusetts. Coworkers and customers still speak of his wonderful sense of humor and propensity for commandeering the store intercom, to entertain them with various songs and quips over the microphone. Customers often requested his special renditions of The Yellow Rose of Texas or a Johnny Cash mash-up.
Jerry enjoyed gardening, taking particular pride in his tomato crop. He was a lifetime member of the Townsend VFW and of St. Johns Church and regularly participated in the annual bazaar.
Jerry was an avid fan of Boston sports teams including the Red Sox, Patriots and Bruins; though his devotion never prevented him from dubbing them a “bunch of bums” when their performance faltered. Jerry was also an exuberant fan of his family’s participation in school and sports activities. He will long be remembered for possessing the loudest, most recognizable cheer as well as having created oversized signs, held high in the stands in support of those he loved.
Gerald D Parker leaves us with a history of devotion, heartwarming humor, and honorable service to mark the joy he spread and the love he possessed for his wife, his family, his friends, his community and ultimately his country.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Horizon Home Health & Hospice, 63 West Willow Brook Meridian, ID 83646 re: Jerry Parker
A Celebration of Life will be held on September 28, 2024, from 1pm-4pm at St. John the Evangelist Church Hall, 1 School Street, Townsend, Massachusetts.