Robert Hughes Parker

1925 - 2015

Parker, Robert Hughes
Robert Hughes Parker, age 89, died peacefully on the morning of June 23, 2015, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut on September 26, 1925, to proud parents Richard M. Parker and Annie E. Didsbury Parker. At age 17, Robert talked his parents into allowing him to join the army to fight in World War II. He served in the European Theater of Operations and the Asiatic/Pacific Theater of Operations as a proud member of the BlackHawk 86th Infantry Division, 343rd Regiment, 1st Battalion, Company B, 3rd Platoon, and 1st Squad (proudly known as "Morten's Marauders" named after their C.O. Captain George Morton. On June 4, 1955, Robert married his love, Genevieve Marie Laughlin (Gene), who he had met during a Yale football game. They built their first home in Huntington, Long Island and was transferred two years later by his employer, Sperry Flight Systems, to Phoenix. Arizona. They were blessed with two sons: Robert Hughes Parker Jr, and Charles Didsbury Parker. Robert spent his 37-year career working as an electrical engineer for Sperry, which eventually became part of Honeywell International, Inc. He enjoyed his Saturdays playing golf with his long-time friends Clair Sutter, Marv Wasserman and Bill Robertson. He also greatly enjoyed traveling with Gene to many national and international destinations. Robert was a devoted Catholic and served as the Choir Director as well as the Head of Lectors for several years at Most Holy Trinity in Sunnyslope. He was a warm and caring individual with tremendous integrity and honesty. He also had a great sense of humor. He was an excellent teacher and used poker chips to teach the "new math" concepts to his sons. He also volunteered his time to assist local high school students in a national robot building contest. Following the death of his wife, Robert travelled to China to teach English. When Robert turned 76, he decided it was time to go on a great adventure with his boys. He planned a hiking trip down into the Grand Canyon with his two sons and grandson Robby. They hiked in 108 degree temperatures yet all had an amazing experience together complete with wonderful memories. Robert is survived by his two siblings, Beverly M. Bingham of Northampton, MA and Donald R. Parker of Brea, CA; two sons, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife. Visitation will be held from 9-10AM, followed by a funeral service at 10AM, Monday, June 29, 2015, Hansen Desert Hills Chapel, 6500 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale. Interment will be held at 12:30PM at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix. Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com to place online condolences.