Frank R. Parker
Frank R. Parker
Frank R. Parker, of Wellesley, MA, and Little Compton, RI, passed away peacefully on December, 4 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 13, 1931 to the late Felix and Bertha Pakulski, Frank was also the devoted husband to the late Virginia Parker (Matuszkiewicz), who predeceased him in 2014. They shared fifty-nine years together.
Frank’s legacy lives on through his beloved daughter, Anne Simon, and her husband, Gary; his three sons, David, Charles, and John Parker with their respective spouses, Joyce, Meg, and Lynn. He will forever be remembered by his grandchildren, Emily Pfeifer, Matthew Simon, Zachary Simon, Katie Parker, Adam Parker, Anna Parker, and Audrey Parker, as well as his five great-grandchildren, Bayla, Frances, Louise, Nora, and Britta.
Born in Erie, PA, Frank spent his formative years in Dunkirk, New York, surrounded by family, some of whom remain there today. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stationed at a MASH unit in Germany, where he developed a fondness for German delicacies like Sauerbraten and Limburger cheese. Despite his aspiration to attend Pharmacy School, financial constraints led him to work as an X-Ray Technician at the Dunkirk hospital, a role that would serendipitously introduce him to Virginia, his life’s love, at Buffalo General Hospital.
Frank’s professional journey was marked by his remarkable tenure as the head of Sales and Marketing for Toshiba Medical Systems in Irvine, CA. His career path took him and Ginny on nine moves across the country, each new home embraced by Ginny’s adventurous spirit.
Upon retiring, the couple ventured into hospitality by purchasing The Parker House, a country inn and restaurant in Quechee, VT. Eventually, their journey brought them back to family in Little Compton, RI, where Frank channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into a woodworking business, BookStand World, underpinned by his favorite maxim, “make it happen.”
Even in adversity, Frank’s resilience shone brightly. Following health challenges, he relocated to an assisted living facility in Wellesley, MA. There, he explored self-taught computer animation, crafting delightful birthday cards and captivating movie presentations to uplift family and friends. In his final months, he wrote and published a children’s book, beautifully illustrated by his son, Charles. https://store.bookbaby.com/book/sharkie- and-lulu-brightening-the-oceans
Frank’s life was a testament to resilience, reinvention, and unwavering kindness. A true gentleman, he consistently placed others before himself and leaves behind a profound legacy of love and generosity. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Catharine of Siena Church in Little Compton, RI, at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 16. Following the service, Frank will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery in Little Compton.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to https://www.massgeneral brigham. org/en/about/giving in Frank’s memory.