Obituary of Gary W. Parker

Gary W. Parker Gary W. Parker of Wappingers Falls entered into rest Wednesday, December 13, 2006 at his residence. He was 68. Son of the late Clinton Parker and Mary Margaret Coty Verrotti, he was born on March 12, 1938 in Rhinebeck. He married the love of his life, Frances A. Pietropolo on September 5, 1964 at Mount Carmel Church in Poughkeepsie; they remained happily married for 42 years. Mr. Parker graduated from Poughkeepsie High School. He then went on to serve his country in the United States Navy from 1955-1959 where he earned a Good Conduct Medal. After his service, he worked for Western Publishing in Poughkeepsie as a pressman for 28 years, until their closing. From there he went to work for IBM in East Fishkill until his retirement. Gary was a member of the Western Retirees. He was an avid reader and loved to tell jokes. He also loved to hunt and fish and especially loved the Giants. In addition to his wife, Fran, he is survived by his son, Michael Parker and his wife, Sandra of Wappingers Falls; his daughter, Tracy McGregor and her husband, Scott of Highland Mills; his brother Lee Parker and his wife, Sharon; his sister Lynn Schopf; beloved grandchildren, Samantha, Brandon and Dylan; and several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. Family will receive their friends on Friday, December 15 from 4-8 p.m. at Straub Funeral Home, 55 E. Main St., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, December 16 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Wappingers Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gary's name to Hospice of Dutchess County, 374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, St. Mary's Mothers Guild, 11 Clinton Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 or Mount Alvernia, 158 Delavergne Avenue, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. For directions to the funeral home or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.straubfuneralhome.com.