Obituary of Robert Joseph Parks

Robert Joseph Parks, 72 PEABODY – Robert Joseph Parks, 72, beloved husband of Marigeri (Lane) Parks, died peacefully on Saturday July 14, 2018 at the North Shore Medical Center—Salem Hospital, following a brief illness. Born in Orange, NJ, he was the son of the late Leonard R. Parks and Dorothy (Porter) Parks Street, and grew up with his parents Dorothy and Henry Preston Street in Wilmington, DE. He graduated from Wilmington High School, then attended Tri-State College now known as Trine Univeristy, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He earned a Master Degree from Northeastern University in Boston later in his career. He lived in Peabody for the last 48 years. Mr. Parks served a patriotic duty to our country, enlisting in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and was stationed Stateside. He was employed with Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut before serving 33 years at General Electric in Lynn as a Manager within the Aircraft Engine Group. Robert lived his life in leadership, a strong faith-filled spiritual devotion to his church, as well as extending kindness and compassion for all he met. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, active in the Cape Ann Sportsman’s Club as Captain of the Pistol Team, a member of the Reading Rifle & Revolver Club, the Greater Boston Pistol League, and a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA). His community service and leadership was as a member of the Masons. He served as Grand Secretary of the 32nd Degree Masons, Past Worshipful Master with the John H. Hilton Lodge of Boston, and served as Secretary of the Scottish Rite, Prince Hall of Boston. He served the faith community as a longtime member of the Holy Trinity United Methodist Church of Danvers. He taught Sunday School for 47 years and served on the Board of Trustees. Having a curious mind and always active, he enjoyed playing tennis, photography, auto mechanic repairs, and gifted in wood-working making cribs for his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Marigeri (Lane) Parks of Peabody, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage; two daughters, Ann-Marie Pratt and her husband Michael of Jaffrey, NH and Elizabeth Parks Prout, M.D., MSCE of Philadelphia, PA; four wonderful granddaughters, Elisa Prout, Sarah Blair, Mary-Elizabeth Pratt and Bethany Pratt; a brother and sister, Jea Street and Henrietta Phillips both of Wilmington, DE, and several nieces, nephews, and many loving cousins and friends. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for his Funeral Service on Saturday July 21, 2018 at 10 AM at the Holy Trinity United Methodist Church in Danvers, starting with a Masonic Ritual and Prayer, and a family committal for burial in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Danvers, and fellowship at the church following the Service. Memorial donations may be made to the Holy Trinity United Methodist Church, 16 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923.