Richard H. Parker, 81, formerly of Grafton

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Richard H. ParkerSunday, June 27, 1943 – Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025

Auburn – Richard H. Parker, 81, of Auburn and formerly of Grafton, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at UMass Memorial Medical Center.

He leaves his loving wife of 56 years, Carolyn M. (Wondolowski) Parker; his devoted son, Christopher R. Parker, both of Auburn; his sister, Susan Landry and her partner Peter Weaver, of San Francisco, CA; his brother-in-law, Joseph Wondolowski, of Auburn; his niece, Amy Vallee and her husband Craig, of Brimfield; and nephew, Timothy Wondolowski and his wife Sara, of Lexington; along with several grandnieces and grandnephews, and many beloved cousins and close friends. Richard was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Patricia Wondolowski.

Richard was born in Cambridge, son of the late Robert and Claire (Hanlon) Parker. He was brought up in Worcester and Florida, and he graduated from South High School and Worcester Junior College. Richard attained his Bachelor’s degree from Nichol’s College. He had a lengthy career in banking, beginning his career at the former Grafton Cooperative Bank, now Saver’s Bank. He helped build the bank up, then went on to work at Saver’s Bank in Auburn for many years and retired as Senior Vice President in the Loan Department.

He became involved in Grafton’s Little League when Chris was young, and went on to become President of the League, even after his son aged out of it. Richard loved sports!

After retirement, Richard always stayed active, whether it was golfing with friends, having lunch on Thursdays with his cousin Susie, or meeting up with the McDonald’s/Wendy’s “Men’s Breakfast Club.” Richard spent MANY hours writing excel spreadsheets for his cousin Ed’s Plumbing Company. He was also a member of the Greendale Men’s Club.

Richard was on the Board of Directors for Pernet Family Health Service in Worcester, of which he was also Past President and Treasurer. He became very active in different capacities, and he loved to give back and help the community. Richard also enjoyed helping at the Abby’s House Non-Profit in Worcester and was able to help serve food on holidays.

At home, Richard loved to cook and make delicious meals for Carol and Chris, a skill he took pride in. He also loved to maintain his flourishing vegetable garden, which he used for his own canned goods, and especially his famous horseradish!

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate) and/or to Pernet Family Health Service (https://www.pernetfamilyhealth.org/).

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Parker family between 4 – 7 PM on Monday, January 13, 2025 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on Tuesday January 14th at North American Martyrs Church, 8 Wyoma Drive, Auburn, with burial to follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.

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