Roy Parker

Mr. Roy Francis Parker was a husband, a father, and grandfather who died peacefully in Kindred Hospital on January 3, 2015 in Peabody MA at the age of 83. Roy leaves behind many accomplishments and loved ones in his life.

Roy is by survived Mary Parker, who had the honor of being his loving wife; his two children, Roy and Adam Parker and their wives Nicole Mary and Nicole Marie and his six grandchildren: Ella, Roy, Madalyn, Adam, Alex and Andrew. He is also survived by many sister in-laws, brother in-laws, nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Roy was born October 1, 1931 in Lawrence Massachusetts. He then worked and lived on his family farm where they re-located to in Saratoga Springs, NY. His parents were Roy Cecil and Frances Parker. He graduated college with a degree in Electrical Engineering from White Plains University in New York.

Mr. Parker’s Dad was one of the first 100 pilots in the US in the Army Air Corp and impressed upon him a duty to serve his country. With that advice in mind Mr. Parker then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1952-1956. He served in the Korean War and was stationed in San Diego and Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA. He toured throughout the Pacific and traveled the world. He was assigned radar/electronics aboard aircraft carriers, including the U.S.S. Boxer and U.S.S. Princeton. He served with Honor.

During his time in the Navy Roy F. Parker had a part in a movie with William Bendix called "Battle Stations" produced to encourage understanding, at the time, of service to the country. During Mr. Parker’s service he was an active member of the US Naval Drill Team for a year, performing all over the country on behalf of the US Navy once being on “You asked for it” on TV with the Drill Team.

Upon finishing his tour in the Navy, he purchased some land in Lake Luzerne, NY and his first car and over two years built a house by hand. He installed the plumbing and electrical, water witched his own well and drove the well. He also built a six foot fire place from native stone himself. His family remembers him, known as “Poppie” or “Poppy”, as a kind, smart, driven man who taught his children his many talents and skills and encouraged them to pursue their goals. He was a generous, witty, dedicated individual who loved creating and teaching and who was passionate about his family. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed chess, being the president of the chess team in college. He was president of the Northwoods Association, Lake Luzerne NY that preserves and takes care of Lake Allure and Lake Forest.

Mr. Parker was an Electrical Engineer with a lengthy and varied career, again, traveling the world on behalf of numerous hi-tech government contractors including Raytheon, Martin Marietta in Florida, ITT Corp at Westover Air Force Base and more, retiring from Digital Equipment in 1991. He worked on cruise missiles and had clearance to go into Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado.

After retiring he spent a lot of time helping his sons through college and continuing to learn. He enjoyed challenges and could fix anything. He started his own consulting business, dabbled in graphic design and then fully retired to enjoy time with his growing family. He was an active and dedicated member of the Nashua Presbyterian Church. Later in life he enjoyed spending time at the Camp he built; relaxing by the water watching his grandchildren swim and play, the Saratoga Race Track in Saratoga Springs, NY where he grew up and Joanne’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop in downtown Nashua, NH.

Visitation was 2 pm to 8 pm on Wednesday January 7th 2015 at Zis-Sweeney Funeral Home, 26 Kinsley St, Nashua NH. Funeral was scheduled for 11 am Thursday January 8th 2015 at Nashua Presbyterian Church, 1010 West Hollis St., Nashua. Reverend Sally Newhall will officiate at the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mr. Parker’s life.

In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to The NH Food Bank 700 E Industrial Park Dr Manchester NH 03109, The Nashua Presbyterian Church 1010 West Hollis St Nashua NH 03062 or The Humane Society for Greater Nashua 24 Ferry Road Nashua NH 03064. Condolences can be sent to [email protected]. The family would like to thank the staff at Kindred Hospital in Peabody, MA for their efforts, care and dedication.