Robert K Parker, Sr.

He was born in Inwood, Long Island, NY on October 12, 1920. Following Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps flying 30 missions during WWII before being honorably discharged in 1945. He was subsequently recalled back into the service, when the country needed him once again during the Korean War, flying refueling aircraft. After the Korean War, he took a job with the Episcopal Church as an appraiser while attending night school. He then accepted a position with Johnson & Higgins as an Account Assistant and Insurance Broker,1948-1983, working his way up to Executive Vice President, holding the five biggest accounts at the time.

He served as Fire Marshall on John’s Island, SC, and was a past Grand Master of the Masons, a member and Fellow of RIMS (Risk Management Society). He enjoyed many activities, including; boxing, golf, bowling, and playing cards.

Bob and his wife Betty lived in Inwood, Long Island, NY before moving to Old Bethpage, Long Island, in 1957. Moving to Seattle, WA in 1969 when transferred as an Executive VP. They stayed in Seattle until 1972 then returned to Old Bethpage. During this time (1976) they suffered the tragic loss of their daughter, Beverly, in a fatal car accident. In 1979 Bob and Betty moved to St. James and retired in 1983. The on to Seabrook Island, SC where they had a winter home. They stayed there until 1995 then moved to Indian River Colony Club in Viera, FL. From there, they built a home in 2000 ”across the street “ in Crane Creek in Viera, until moving to” The Fountains” in West Melbourne in 2005.

After the loss of his wife in 2007, Bob returned to IRCC (Indian River Colony Club) in Viera, remaining there until this past February when he moved to Inspired Living, in Palm Bay. He took on the nick-name of “Flyboy”, and enjoyed his final days there making friends, singing, and going on field trips.

He is survived by his son; Robert K. Parker, Jr., and daughter-in-law; Alberta-Jo Parker, both of Melbourne, Fl., his 9 beloved grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 1pm, at the Faith Viera Lutheran Church, 5550 Faith Drive, Viera, FL 32940.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made toward a garden bench at the Inspired Living Facility of Palm Bay, 350 Malabar Road SW, Palm Bay, FL 32907.