Robert E. Parker, Sr.
Robert 'Bob' Earl Parker Sr., 71, passed away on January 16, 2019 at his home. Bob was born in Athol, MA on February 5, 1947 to the late Harold and Thelma Stratton Parker. He was married to Ellen Westendorff Parker for 44 years. Bob was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served in the Army. He was deacon and active member of Calvary Church of West Hartford and was an early childhood educator. Bob was devoted to his family. Bob is predeceased by his first wife Kathleen and his daughter Sharon. He is survived by his beloved wife Ellen; children Rob and Robyn Parker, Jonathan and Rachel Parker, Ben and Jenn Parker, Jennifer and Chris Johnson, and Josh and Taylor Parker; and siblings Harold Parker Jr., John Parker, and Mary Desmond. He found joy in his later years being an Opa to his 15 grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob's family on Friday, January 18th (TODAY) from 6:00 to 8:00PM at Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. His memorial service will be held Saturday, January 19th at 1:00PM at Calvary Church of West Hartford, 1855 Albany Ave., West Hartford. Burial will take place at a later date in the State Veteran's Cemetery, Middletown.
Bob had a gentle demeanor and spirit. His love for Ellen, their children and grandchildren was palpable. His love for the Lord was evident in the sacrifice of his time to church ministries. His quiet presence will be greatly missed. We will see him in Glory!
Bob will be missed by everyone at Calvary Church. He had strong faith and shared his love of God with his family. This was evident to me every Sunday, watching him sit with his family at church and seeing their devotion to God. His life had an impact on so many and his legacy of faith will be carried in our hearts.
I have so many amazingly fond memories and experiences with my -other Dad-. By far it is his gentleness that I will hold in my heart and cherish forever.
I’m so sorry to hear this. -Mr. Bob- was my son Brandon’s teacher when he was little. He was so patient and kind with him. Brandon loved him and would talk about him all the time. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.
My deepest condolences. Rob, you and your Dad did work at my house and my Daughter’s house.
Our sincerest sympathy and understanding over the loss of Robert Parker. He will be missed by all who new and loved him. Barbara Gridley & Bob Fasick
I first met Bob when he and Ellen were newly married. They had Bob’s little boy, Rob with them.
They came to visit our family when we lived in Holderness, NH. At the time, I thought to myself, .Ellen Is so young to be a wife to Bob and Mother to this little boy, Rob.. I hoped and prayed that their marriage would last. As it turns out, Bob and Ellen were literally, .A match made in Heaven..
We didn’t have much contact until a few years ago, when Ellen decided to have a family reunion in Meriden. I learned then how sweet and caring Bob was. He just quietly made sure everyone was fed and happy at that reunion. He reminded me of Ellen’s father – my Uncle Charlie whom I loved dearly.
He was a wonderful husband to Ellen, a really good dad to their children and a beloved Grandfather to the little ones. Such faith and gentleness…
Ellen, children and grandchildren please accept my love and prayers for comfort.
Love, Kathy Piper
We met Bob and Ellen when Dad pastored, and our family was a part of Calvary Baptist Church on Bee Street in Meriden, Connecticut. Bob, Ellen, their loved ones and ours were part of one big .Extended Family. that did .Church-Life. together. There were services, Sunday school, choir, concerts, kids-clubs, VBS, camping, pot-lucks, outings to the shore, prayer meetings, bible study, softball games… and always, Bob, Ellen and family were there, a vital part of living out our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ… Together. I remember so many of those good times like they were yesterday. And they include many conversations with, living, laughing, playing and joking with Bob and our Church-family, and my lasting memory is this… that Bob Parker was so full of life! And Bob loved the Lord and his family dearly and completely. Our memories of a person are a compilation of visuals, factuals, feelings, spiritual and emotional impressions… all rolled into one, and memories of Bob add up to this… that he was a good and loving man, a beloved husband and father. Yet, something Bob would want you to know bears repeating and remembering. This .Life. of his has not ended… because today, with his Lord, Bob still IS alive and his .Life. has only just begun! You see, Bob had found true and eternal .Life. in his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. And this Lord Bob served (and still serves today) is the Creator of .Life. Himself. He is the Loving, Forgiving Lord, the .Author and Perfecter of our Faith…. the Son of God, Whom Bob knew so personally and so well. Bob Parker would want you to know his Lord, in the way Bob knew Him, and still knows Him today.
Dear Ellen, Robbie, Kids and Grandkids… we grieve with you now, but only for this temporary loss of your joy in Bob’s presence and company. Yet, we REJOICE with you all that Bob is now with his Lord in complete joy, and that it won’t be long until you are with Bob again once more.
We offer our most sincere and heartfelt sympathies for this sad time, and send our encouragement to you all for the days to come.
Curt and Leo Dallaire and The Dallaire Families
I met Bob and Ellen Parker many years ago when we all attended Calvary Baptist Church. I saw their family grow over the years They were a loving Christian family. I lost contact with them until I became part of Connecticut Christian Academy a few years ago. Bob was the Preschool Director. I am thankful to have reconnected with him as we both worked in a ministry for children. My heartfelt prayers go out to Ellen and the family for their loss.
Joyce Koczak
Dear Ellen, Jonathan, Ben, Jennifer, and Joshua,
I remember Bob from the days you were at Pulaski Elementary School, first at conferences for Jonathan and finally with conferences with Josh. He was always so supportive of what we were doing. Even after the kids left Pulaski, no matter where I met him–bank, grocery shopping, etc–we always stopped to chat for a few minutes. He was a good man and a loving husband and father. He will continue to be in your lives, watching over and guiding all of you as you face the challenges of life without him. May your memories bring you comfort, and may the love of family and friends help you in the coming days.. My prayers and sympathy are with you.
Sincerely, Irene Veillette
I love you Robyn and remember that he loved you like his own.
Love you Paulette. Thannk you.
Thank you Curt for this wonderful tribute to my husband.
Thank you for your words of love. I love you Kathy!
Thank you Jenn, for your words of love.
Thank you so much for the beautiful plant.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Pulaski was a wonderful shcool for our children.
Thank you so much Joyce. He was very thankful for your support at CCA
Thank you. Mr. Bob loved all .his children..
Just such a sweet guy 🙂
Dear Helen, I am a new member of Christian Healthcare Ministries. I am praying for you and all who are affected by Bob’s passing. He has a new address, Heaven. You and all who loved him shall be with him one day. You will miss him and remember the good times, but for now, live in the Peace of the Lord and enjoy your remaining time with loved ones. God Bless all of you. Mona D.