1925
Fred
2014
Fred C. Parker
April 20, 1925 — February 24, 2014
HOLDEN, MA / NEW PORT RICHEY, FL – Fred C. Parker, Jr., 88, formerly of Holden, died peacefully from heart disease on Monday, February 24, 2014 at the HPH Marliere Hospice Care Center in New Port Richey, Florida. Born in New York City to Fred Parker, Sr. and Kitty (Bennett) Parker, he attended school in Worcester, MA and later lived in Holden for many years.
An avid mountain climber and skier, Fred was selected by the U.S. Army to serve in a unique mountain warfare unit during WWII, where he was specially trained to fight in mountainous terrain and arctic weather conditions. Courageously serving in the 85th Mountain Infantry (10th Mountain Division), Fred entered combat in the North Apennine Mountains of Italy during a brutal winter. The division valiantly attacked toward the Po Valley, fighting some of the War’s fiercest battles in the Italian and Central European theatre. He was awarded many medals for his brave and loyal service, including the Bronze Star.
After the war, Fred attended the University of Colorado before returning to Massachusetts. A natural born salesman, Fred had great success with many companies before landing his dream job as a distinguished insurance agent at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts from where he retired in 1986.
An incredible reader, Fred never met a library he didn’t love and never let macular degeneration stop him from enjoying large print books right until his last hospital stay. He not only bowled in several leagues and maintained a gym membership through his 88th year, but also was a beautiful tenor who sang in many notable church choirs, even touring throughout Europe to do so. From archery to playing the piano and even taking up sailing with his wife Dorothy, Fred had a zest for life, for fun and for friendships. He adored his dog Snoopy, savored spicy food, appreciated a well-made fluffernutter sandwich and believed a nice glass of Taylor Port was the perfect end to a long day. He recently moved to Florida to his dream home and became ill shortly thereafter.
His wife of 27 years, Dorothy (Manoogian) Parker died in 2004 and a son Kenneth in 2011. He is survived by his children Fred C. Parker III (and wife Michelene), John Parker, Katherine Reynolds, several granddaughters and great grandchildren, as well as friends and caregivers Hanna Cybula and Melissa Doff, many great bowling buddies, a team of dedicated doctors and nurses who admired him so and many devoted waitresses at his favorite restaurants who always treated him like family.
Funeral arrangements are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Fred to HPH Hospice Foundation ( www.HPH-Hospice.org ). To share a memory or to offer an online condolence, please visit sign the guest book on this page.
An avid mountain climber and skier, Fred was selected by the U.S. Army to serve in a unique mountain warfare unit during WWII, where he was specially trained to fight in mountainous terrain and arctic weather conditions. Courageously serving in the 85th Mountain Infantry (10th Mountain Division), Fred entered combat in the North Apennine Mountains of Italy during a brutal winter. The division valiantly attacked toward the Po Valley, fighting some of the War’s fiercest battles in the Italian and Central European theatre. He was awarded many medals for his brave and loyal service, including the Bronze Star.
After the war, Fred attended the University of Colorado before returning to Massachusetts. A natural born salesman, Fred had great success with many companies before landing his dream job as a distinguished insurance agent at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts from where he retired in 1986.
An incredible reader, Fred never met a library he didn’t love and never let macular degeneration stop him from enjoying large print books right until his last hospital stay. He not only bowled in several leagues and maintained a gym membership through his 88th year, but also was a beautiful tenor who sang in many notable church choirs, even touring throughout Europe to do so. From archery to playing the piano and even taking up sailing with his wife Dorothy, Fred had a zest for life, for fun and for friendships. He adored his dog Snoopy, savored spicy food, appreciated a well-made fluffernutter sandwich and believed a nice glass of Taylor Port was the perfect end to a long day. He recently moved to Florida to his dream home and became ill shortly thereafter.
His wife of 27 years, Dorothy (Manoogian) Parker died in 2004 and a son Kenneth in 2011. He is survived by his children Fred C. Parker III (and wife Michelene), John Parker, Katherine Reynolds, several granddaughters and great grandchildren, as well as friends and caregivers Hanna Cybula and Melissa Doff, many great bowling buddies, a team of dedicated doctors and nurses who admired him so and many devoted waitresses at his favorite restaurants who always treated him like family.
Funeral arrangements are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Fred to HPH Hospice Foundation ( www.HPH-Hospice.org ). To share a memory or to offer an online condolence, please visit sign the guest book on this page.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Fred C. Parker, please visit our flower store.
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