Obituary of Donald J. Parker

RENSSELAERVILLE – Donald J. Parker, age 81, passed away on Sunday evening, May 19, 2013 at his residence after a brief illness. Born in New York City on June 4, 1931, he was the son of the late Joseph J. and Lillian C. Lissy Parker. He attended Andrew Jackson High School in Queens. Mr. Parker was an Air Force Veteran of the Korean War. On June 24, 1973 at Corpus Christi Church in Mineola, he married Patricia E. Porr, who survives at home. He was a police officer with the New York Central Police, then to Penn Central, Conrail, Metro-North, and lastly the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, retiring in October 2001. Mr. Parker has resided in Rensselaerville for the last 9 years, and was previously a resident of LaGrange for 31 years. He was a ham radio operator, with the call sign of “WB2FAK”. Mr. Parker was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church in Greenville. He enjoyed target shooting and gun collecting. He was a member of the NRA, Middleburgh Rod & Gun Club where he was an NRA certified instructor, AARL, NYSPBA (retired), Oath Keepers, Rensselaerville Tea Party and was a Republican Committeeman in Rensselaerville. Mr. Parker was always there to help a friend or stranger, or a homeless animal. Through the years, he and his wife provided a home to those who needed one, and loved the many pets they adopted. Survivors include his wife, Patricia E. Parker (nee Porr); three children, David K. Parker (wife Kumhui) of Hopewell Junction, Jessica Lynn Parker (partner Donnie Williams) of LaGrange and Deborah Anne Carlo (husband Andrew) of Poughkeepsie; two grandchildren, Mya and Brandon; several nieces and nephews. He was looking forward to meeting his third grandchild this July. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Betty Artese. Calling hours will be Tuesday, May 21 from 7 to 9 p.m., and Wednesday, May 22 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville, NY 12083. Funeral Mass will be offered Thursday, May 23 at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 4987 State Route 81, Greenville, followed by burial with military honors in Windswept Acres Cemetery on the family property. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the ASPCA will be appreciated. Light a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com.