Obituary of Donald Parker

Donald R. Parker, retired Principal Engineer, at Raytheon passed away with his family at his bedside from complications with a 40 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis on Saturday morning, September 29, 2012. He was 77 years old. Don was born in Brookline, the son of the late James and Marion Parker. He grew up in Avon, MA and was a graduate of Avon High School. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University. He was employed at Raytheon for 25 years working his way to become a Principal Engineer who worked on various missile defense projects including the Patriot Missile at Raytheon’s Bedford facility. He had a keen mind and strong work ethic and enjoyed the many challenges his work provided him. He retired after 25 years with Raytheon. Donald’s life was split into 2 halves; Life without the complications of MS and life confined to a wheelchair. When he was healthy, Don was extremely active. He enjoyed dancing, hiking, and camping. He was a Patriots season ticket holder. He coached Little League and was a member of the Jaycees. He embraced life, made the most of his good health, and formed lasting family memories. As his mobility decreased, he cherished the family activities, celebrations, and gatherings even more. He always had a wonderful insight on life, information, and knowledge. He was always there to help in whatever manner he was able. He loved to watch sports, especially the Patriots and Red Sox and was fortunate to see the successes of both teams that he had faithfully supported through a lifetime of futility. He was an avid reader, loved to work on his computer, surf the internet, and completed daily crossword puzzles in his head. Known as “Baba” to his grandkids, he was thought of as a living encyclopedia. Despite the advent of Google, the entire family always opted for “ask Baba” instead. He took pride in his ability to share his wealth of information and found it extremely rewarding to give back to those that had done so much for him. He and his loved ones dealt with MS as a family, caring and supporting each other and growing stronger as a family unit. He lived a vibrant life, much longer than he was originally diagnosed, because of the love and care of his devoted wife, Carol, his children and their spouses, and all of his grandchildren. Donald was the beloved husband of Carol M. (Hubbard) Parker. He was the loving and proud father of Steven & his wife Anne of Billerica, David & his wife Lisa of Dracut, Eric “Rick” & his wife Jeanmarie of Burlington, Karen Kramer & her husband Richard of Center Strafford, NH, Scott of Woburn, and Kevin & his wife Dawn of Attleboro. Brother of Carolyn Ferrini of Collierville, TN. He was also blessed to be the grandfather of 14 and great grandfather of 3. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, October 1 from 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Funeral services and interment will be private. Memorials in Donald’s name may be made to Memorials and Tributes, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter, PO Box 845945, Boston, MA 02284-5945 or www.nationalmssociety.org.