Ralph E. Parker Jr.
March 15, 1949 ~ May 27, 2009
Parker, Jr. Ralph E.
Greece: Ralph Evans Parker, Jr. passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center after a long illness. He is survived by his wife, Martha S. Parker; daughter, Lauren E. Parker; son, Steven (Ingrid) Parker of Mesa, Arizona and his mother, Doris B. Parker of San Antonio, Texas. Ralph is predeceased by his father, Ralph E. Parker, Sr.
Ralph was born on March 15, 1949 in Portland, Oregon to Ralph E. Parker, Sr. and Doris B. Parker. During his early years, the family relocated to New York City where Ralph attended Allen-Stevenson School and Collegiate Prep, graduating in 1967. At Collegiate, Ralph was President of his Senior Class as well as Photography Editor of the yearbook, “The Dutchman.” He attended Cornell University earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Ralph worked at Eastman Kodak for twenty years before leaving to establish his own business called Emfotec Information Systems. He was President of the company which provided a variety of software programs for emergency medical services and ambulance personnel.
Ralph was a lifetime member of the Greece Volunteer Ambulance Company, serving several terms on its Board of Directors, as well as terms as President, Vice-President, and Treasurer. He was also a member of the Monroe-Livingston EMS Council, serving as Treasurer. Ralph was an avid reader, and enjoyed music and photography, but especially spending time with his family.
Friends may call, Friday, June 5, 2009, 6-8 PM at Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home, 1075 Long Pond Road. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated, Saturday, June 6, 2009, 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Church, 4492 Lake Avenue. Interment will be held privately in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, 2652 Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester NY 14626, or Rochester General Hospital Outpatient Dialysis Unit-Dialysis Patient Fund, 370 Ridge Road East, Suite 10, Rochester NY 14621 in his memory.
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Aunt Marty and Lauren-
I was thinking the other day about all of the fun family memories that we have had together- the sleepovers at your house in the summer, trips to the lake to go boating and all of the holiday get-togethers. It doesn’t seem fair that things sometimes end the way that they do but I am thankful for all of the happy memories that we have shared together. Know that you have a family that loves you both dearly and if you ever need anything don’t be afraid to ask. We will all miss Uncle Ralph but I am glad that he isn’t suffering anymore.
With deepest sympathy,
Katie
Aunt Marty and Lauren,
Being at your house a few days ago reminded me of all the fun times we had during our summer get togethers. We always looked forward to coming to visit and go to Seabreeze. Talking to you both and looking through old pictures brought back happy memories that I shared with the two of you and Uncle Ralph. He was always a good sport and put up with our fun (and crazy) ideas.
It is impossible to understand the situation you both are facing, but please know that I am here to help in anyway. It is sad and unfair that Uncle Ralph has passed on, but now he isn’t in pain or suffering anymore. I am sure he is watching over you both and he will guide you in the future. I love you both very much and I am always here.
Megan
Dear Mrs. Parker and Lauren,
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of an honorable man. The little I knew him I was impressed with. His calm demeanor and focus on Lauren’s academic studies and drive to learn spoke wel of both of their love of learning. Stay strong Lauren and
God will guide you during these hard times. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Pioli
God bless Ralph. He was a great man, a loving husband and father and a good son. He was a wonderful addition to our extended family. My late father, Jim Maichle thought the world of him and is probably sharing a lunch of fresh polish sausage with him as I type this! My mom, Diane loved him very much. My sisters and I were blessed to know him and to witness how his presence and his family’s presence enriched our parents’ lives. May he rest until we see him again.
I was at a reunion dinner for Allen Stevenson alumni a couple of days ago, and we heard about Ralph’s untimely passing. I just wanted to let the family know that we thought of him, and regretted that he couldn’t make it to our 50th year reunion.
I haven’t seen Ralph since Allen-Stevenson days, but reading his obituary it seems he had a good life, and I am glad of this. Please accept my sincere condolences –
Michael Cook
I worked with Ralph at ‘C’ Building for Kodak back in the early days of the E700 Analyzer. I was just out of school and barely 22 years old in 1981 when I was hired. I was the youngest guy in the department. I remember Ralph was (I believe) the department head for Electrical. He was a big hulking guy. When he had steam going behind him, you had better not be in his way in the hall. Almost 30 years later, I have not worked with anybody who took their job more serious than Ralph did. I did not have a tremendous amount of one on one with Ralph as I was merely a documentation clerk in those days. Listening to Ralph talk about everything he knew about electricity surely would have made my head spin. What a brilliant mind God gave him. Unfortunately I was let go as were many others in 1986 and I never saw Ralph again. Strangely every now and then over the years I have wondered what many of the guys from Kodak were doing now, including Ralph. He actually came to mind to me a couple of weeks ago. I am sorry that I didn’t know him better personally. Whenever I did interact with him he was always cortious and helpful…just what a young guy like me needed at the time as I started my career. I am deeply sorry for the familys loss. Ralph was a good guy and I know you will miss him just as I still miss my Dad and Mother in all the years that they have been gone. Please try to remember the good times, and try to push the other stuff to the side. I am sure that Ralph would not want you to harbor over his loss, but to remember all of the good times he had with you all.
Sincerely,
David Kunst
Martha & Lauren:
Right now words of sympathy can seem so hollow as you go through your loss. Remember the beauty and grace of Ralph as the days go on and look to each other and see bits and pieces of Ralph’s mannerisms and personality in each other as he will always be a part of who you are. Give thanks to God that some day we will all be together again without suffering and pain. Lauren, we think of you often – let us know if you need anything.
Martha and Lauren-
We have such great memories with Ralph and your family – especially those at your pool parties, at the lake and of Ralph taking us on cruises of the lake… He was such a generous soul and I loved to talk ‘computer’ with him. He was the only one I could really talk to about my career path and know that he truly understood what exactly I did. He loved our family cookouts and I am thankful that I took so many photos.
I pray that your faith will give you comfort in knowing that he is at peace.
We will truly miss him.
Please know that I am there for whatever you need.
MaryBeth
Our sincere Condolences. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
The Rochester General Dialysis Center Staff send the family our condolences. Ralph fought a long and hard battle with kidney disease. Thank you for designating the Dialysis Patient Aid Fund for memorial gifts. These gifts will help the Social Work staff assist patients in need of emergency medications and transportation to dialysis. God Bless.