George Gilbert Parker, Jr., 86, Enjoyed Riding His Bike and Tending to His Garden
George Gilbert Parker, Jr. was born on June 24, 1939 in Lorain, Ohio in a small home with the guidance of a midwife to Dorothy Marion Sheppard and George Gilbert Parker.
He spent much of his youth in Chautauqua, New York, where he graduated from Falconer Central School. George later attended New York University (NYU), where he became the youngest licensed insurance salesman in the state of New York.
A true Renaissance man, George’s career spanned insurance, construction, and entrepreneurship. His craftsmanship and creativity could be seen in everything he touched – from his home remodeling and model airplanes to watercolor paintings.
After returning to Lorain George became deeply involved in his community; he was a devoted member of Alcoholics Anonymous for forty-three years, helped co-lead the Children’s Christmas Party alongside his beloved wife Patricia Ann Parker (nee Kulik), and served on the facilities committee of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. He gave generously to causes close to his heart, including the American Cancer Society and Our Daily Bread.
In later years, George found joy in simple pleasure including riding his bike, tending to his garden, and sharing stories with his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann Parker; his parents, George Gilbert and Dorthy Marion Parker; his siblings Dorothy Marion Beach, Ronald Allen Schuster, Gilbert Joseph Parker, Charles George Parker, and Raymond Glenn Parker; and his son, Brian Richard Monhollen.
He is survived by his siblings William Fredrick Schuster and Joanne Parker Dirling; his children David Allen Parker, Linda Jo Johnson, Kim Marie Hurley, James Scott Parker, Charles George Parker, Sandra Irene Walker, Brenda Dorothy Harper, Kimberly Joy Szeto, and Amanda Parker-Wolery; 35 grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.
As Frank Sinatra once sang, “I did it my way”. And indeed, George did.
Visitation will be Wednesday October 15th from 11:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 12:00 noon in the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer - 647 Reid Avenue, Lorain. The Reverend Alex Barton,, Rector of the church will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park - Amherst Township.
Contributions in his memory are encouraged to the American Cancer Society.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel. To share your memories and condolences with George’s family, please visit his tribute page at www.gluvnashimohromada.com.