NATICK: Ernest Parker, age 90, a retired Natick Public Schools Custodian, died peacefully in the company of his family while receiving the Sacrament of the Sick, on Saturday evening, August 23, 2014. He was the devoted husband of the late Pauline “Polly” (Palli) Parker for 63 years.
Born in Versailles, Connecticut, he was a son of the late Abraham and Alfreda (Durr) Parker. Ernest was raised and educated in Natick, and served with the Navy during World War II. Among his citations are the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with 7 bronze stars and a bronze star for participation in the Liberation of the Philippines.
Ernest and Polly married in 1947 and made a home for their growing family in Natick. After twenty years working as a presser at a dry cleaning establishment, Ernest became employed as a custodian with the Natick Public Schools. He was head Custodian at Natick High School when he retired in 1986. A family man who dearly loved his wife and sons, he enjoyed family gatherings and vacations, dancing, and classical and big band music. Ernest liked working on his cars and repairing electronic devices, solving crossword puzzles, and a relaxing day of fishing.
He is survived by his sons, Ronald E. Parker and his wife Anne of Framingham, and Robert G. Parker and his wife Lisa of Charleston, SC; two grandchildren, Christina Razzore and her husband Maxwell of San Diego, CA, and Christopher Parker of Bellingham; two great-grandchildren, Andrew and Hannah Razzore; a niece, Janice Wonson of Haverhill; and two nephews, John Themeli of Holliston and Richard Peristere of Norfolk. He was the brother of the late Doris Parker and Arthur Parker.
His funeral will be from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, on Wednesday, Aug. 27th at 9:00AM with a Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Linus Church, 119 Hartford Street, Natick, at 10:00AM. Burial with military honors will follow at Dell Park Cemetery.
Visiting hours will be Tuesday 4 – 7PM.
Donations may be made in Ernest’s memory to the Natick Service Council, 2 Webster St., Natick, MA 01760.