"We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Bob\'s family. Bob was my supervisor when I transferred to Sperry Phoenix from Great Neck and we worked together many years. He and Gene attended our wedding 49 years ago. I will always remember him as a very personable, approachable, fair and caring person. He was highly regarded as an expert in the field of airplane flight controls and had many successes to his credit. We will keep Bob and his family in our prayers and hope that the memories of all the good times you shared will soften the blow of losing him. Sincerely, Don and Carol McDermott"
In loving memory of
Robert Parker
Robert Hughes Parker, age 89, died peacefully on the morning of June 23, 2015, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut on September 26, 1925, to proud parents Richard M. Parker and Annie E. Didsbury Parker. At age 17, Robert talked his parents into allowing him to join the army to fight in World War II. He served in the European Theater of Operations and the Asiatic/Pacific Theater of Operations as a proud member of the BlackHawk 86th Infantry Division, 343rd Regiment, 1st Battalion, Company B, 3rd Platoon, and 1st Squad (proudly known as "Morten's Marauders" named after their C.O. Captain George Morton. On June 4, 1955, Robert married his love, Genevieve Marie Laughlin (Gene), who he had met during a Yale football game. They built their first home in Huntington, Long Island and was transferred two years later by his employer, Sperry Flight Systems, to Phoenix. Arizona. They were blessed with two sons: Robert Hughes Parker Jr, and Charles Didsbury Parker. Robert spent his 37-year career working as an electrical engineer for Sperry, which eventually became part of Honeywell International, Inc. He enjoyed his Saturdays playing golf with his long-time friends Clair Sutter, Marv Wasserman and Bill Robertson. He also greatly enjoyed traveling with Gene to many national and international destinations. Robert was a devoted Catholic and served as the Choir Director as well as the Head of Lectors for several years at Most Holy Trinity in Sunnyslope. He was a warm and caring individual with tremendous integrity and honesty. He also had a great sense of humor. He was an excellent teacher and used poker chips to teach the "new math" concepts to his sons. He also volunteered his time to assist local high school students in a national robot building contest. Following the death of his wife, Robert travelled to China to teach English. When Robert turned 76, he decided it was time to go on a great adventure with his boys. He planned a hiking trip down into the Grand Canyon with his two sons and grandson Robby. They hiked in 108 degree temperatures yet all had an amazing experience together complete with wonderful memories. Robert is survived by his two siblings, Beverly M. Bingham of Northampton, MA and Donald R. Parker of Brea, CA; two sons, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife. Visitation will be held from 9-10AM, followed by a funeral service at 10AM, Monday, June 29, 2015, Hansen Desert Hills Chapel, 6500 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale. Interment will be held at 12:30PM at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix.
Tributes
"Dear Charlie, Rob and Family, Bob was a special person who was very kind and generous. I will remember all the fond memories I had at the Parker Home. Bob will truly be missed but is now with his beloved wife, Genie. May he rest in peace! Barbara Brandenberger"
"My thoughts are with you, Bob, and Charlie. Please know that I wish I was there to support you. Biggest of hugs. Matt"
"My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. My Dad (Walter Wehner) was also born in September, 1925. Bob and Walt went to school together, starting in elementary school and continuing through Yale, including serving in the same division during WWII. A lifelong friend to my parents, they were at the Yale football game when Bob met Genie, the love of his life. My dad was an usher at their wedding in West Haven. They stayed in touch throughout their lives, and Bob was able to come to my parent\'s 50th wedding anniversary party in 2001! He was a great man, and a good friend. May he now rest in peace."
"My husband , JIm and Bob worked together many years at Sperry"