Aug. 22, 1961 – Dec. 29, 2023
Hudson – Gregory R. Parker, 62 of Hudson, passed away on December 29, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He passed peacefully at home with his loves by his side: his beloved wife of 35 years Kathryn and his cherished children, Callie and Shayna Parker.
Greg was born at Marlboro Hospital on August 22, 1961, but he called Hudson his home, having proudly lived and worked in the town all of his life. Greg was a graduate of Hudson High School, class of 1979. After his school years, Greg began working full-time at the family-owned and operated business Larkin Lumber until it closed in 2013. He started GRP Yards & More Landscaping that same year. Greg took immense pride in his work and enjoyed transforming his customers’ yards and bringing a smile to their faces. There was no job too small for him to take, if he knew it would bring joy.
Beyond his professional life, Greg was devoted to his family and his friends. He is survived by his wife Kathryn (Kate) Parker (Hudson, MA), his child Callie Parker and their husband John Bennett (Telford, PA), and his daughter Shayna Parker (Boston, MA). On his immediate side of the family, Greg is survived by his brother Jeff Parker and his wife Maureen (Hudson, MA) who were not only family but wonderful friends and dedicated traveling companions. Together they traveled to many of the places on Greg’s bucket list. He always looked forward to the next trip.
Greg will also be greatly missed by his wife’s family, survived by his father-in-law Leo Quinn and his siblings-in-law: Eileen Ramos, Julie Kitka, Joe Quinn, Justine Wahlstrom, Peter Quinn and their spouses/partners. He also leaves behind many, many nieces and nephews (even those not related by blood) who so fondly called him “Uncle Foofie,” “Uncle Greg-A-Claus,” “Big G,” or simply “Greg.”
Aside from his children, whom he doted on at every opportunity, Greg’s greatest pride and joy was the home he built for his family. The house was built from the ground up as a reproduction Victorian, as a labor of love, with each and every piece of wood molding or yard rock placed with care. He was always on the hunt for “the perfect piece” and spent a lifetime contemplating, tinkering, and bringing his vision to life. Greg spent this last summer repainting, attacking unfinished projects, and completing the house. We are beyond grateful to his best friend Andy Curtis who was able to come finish the front porch balusters and spandrels so that Greg got to see the last pieces fall into place. What a gift.
Greg loved the natural beauty of the world. It brought him peace to be outside when working and he was first in line for any ski or camping trip, many of which he was able to share with his family. He was an avid hiker, completing 46 of the 48 “4,000 Footer” peaks in New Hampshire, including the largest (Mount Washington) several times. He believed in leaving things better than how you found them, in nature, in life and in people.
He hated to see anyone struggle and was always first to lend a hand. Community service was large part of who he was and he joined the Hudson Rotary Club in 2012 to better serve his community. He served as President from 2015 to 2016 and attended meetings for as long as he could. Friends and family would joke that he was the unofficial “Mayor of Hudson,” as there did not seem to be anyone he would not share a friendly word with when he was out and about in town.
Greg stopped officially working shortly after he was diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer in early 2022, but anyone who knew him knows he was never one to sit still. He spent his remaining time purposefully, reaching out and spending time with the people he loved, as well as finishing the things he felt he needed for everyone to be OK when he was gone. He faced his cancer prognosis with a determination and grace, that he would keep his promises. His last directives were simply “be strong,” “be good,” and a reminder of “I love you,” to all those that visited at the end.
The grieving family would like to remind readers of the importance of getting screened for colon cancer. When found early enough, colon cancer is highly treatable and can be removed before it progresses. Some risk factors are hereditary and if you have (or have had) any type of cancer, especially colon cancer, please let your family members know immediately so they can start early and more frequent screenings.
He was predeceased by his parents David and Louise Parker and mother-in-law Ann Quinn. He is also survived by siblings Gary Parker and Karen LeBlanc.
A celebration of life will take place on February 18th, 2024 – 2-5pm at the Portuguese Club, 13 Port St, Hudson, MA. The family is asking attendees to come with their favorite Greg story, either written to be displayed or shared verbally to honor him. No story is too small.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make donations in Greg’s memory to the American Cancer Society, www.donate.cancer.org; the American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org; and Hudson Rotary Club, PO. Box 208, Hudson, MA 01749.
The Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.
