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Milton Parker Obituary
Parker, whose business card said Milton Parker CPM — for Corned Beef and Pastrami Maven — died Friday of respiratory problems, said his daughter, Marian Levine.
His family says nothing will change at the legendary Theater District deli where Woody Allen filmed scenes for "Broadway Danny Rose." Over the years the restaurant has developed a devoted following for its oversized sandwiches stuffed with 6 to 8 inches of meat, some costing upward of $20 and named after celebrities like Henny Youngman.
"The Woody Allen," priced at a mere $17.95, is described as "lotsa corned beef plus lotsa pastrami — for the dedicated fresser (Yiddish for big eater) only!"
Parker's daughter said her father loved to eat and used to say that he wanted to die with a hot dog in his mouth. So at his memorial Monday, she held up one of his beloved footlong frankfurters and said: "This is for you, Dad. Enjoy this hot dog."
Parker and two partners bought the deli from its previous owners in 1976. One partner sold his share, and a second, Leo Steiner, died in 1987. Parker retired in 2002 and turned the business over to his son-in-law.
Mourners shared their memories of Parker on the Web site savethedeli.com, a space "dedicated to the preservation of the Jewish delicatessen, a hallowed temple of salted and cured meats."
"In the history of delicatessens, Milton Parker's Carnegie Deli caused more heartburn to the Jewish world than anything I've ever heard of," said Borscht Belt comedian Freddy Roman. "His pastrami sandwich was incredibly much too large for human consumption."
Customer Stu Shiffman added, "I hope that he was buried on white porcelain with a pile of rye and jar of mustard on the side."
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
24 Entries
Steve Pickle Leibowitz
March 31, 2025
The greatest deli maven in America ! Rest in peace ! Steve Pickle Leibowitz
Susanne
February 17, 2009
how wonderful to see the Carnegie Deli and it's owner, Milton Parker, getting so many tributes from all over the country. I remember The Carnegie Deli from my childhood trips to NYC, many years ago. The food and hospitality were fabulous then, as it is now.
May Milton Parker rest in peace, but may his ambience remain a sacred a tradition at the Carnegie Deli.
Carthy Dorsett
February 14, 2009
My husband, Mark and I, had the pleasure of eating at Carnegie Deli on Christmas Eve '08. A gentleman sat down next to us and he turned out to be the "MBD." We had no idea what "MBD" meant but it took a senior waitress at the Deli to tell us that "MBD" meant Married the Boss' Daughrter. We had a fabulous time and we definitely consider 'Carnegie Deli" our favorite deli in NYC. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Milton Parker. We only wish that we could have met him too!
Best regards,
Mark & Cathy Dorsett
Victoria Guingon
February 9, 2009
When friends and family from out-of-state or out-of-the country visit NYC, they insist on having at least one meal at the Carnegie Deli. We love the food, service, atmosphere, and its vibrant energy! You are loved not just in the USA, MR. MILTON PARKER, but worlwide. We will miss you!
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Sonja Boatman
February 8, 2009
Born & raised in NYC I've been going to the Carnegie all my life. Even now a trip back home to NYC is not a trip until I stop there for at least 1 meal! Thanks for the great food & all the memories! Rest in Peace.
baba loo
February 7, 2009
Richard Pattanite
February 7, 2009
Besides Brooklyn and Little Italy when I go to New York I have to stop at Carnegie's Deli for the sandwiches and the atmosphere. May you rest in peace and your light will never dim on Broadway.
TOM FOLCO
February 6, 2009
MILTON REST IN PEACE
Deborah
February 6, 2009
What a sandwich! My husband and I went to New York to see The Color Purple and had lunch at Carnegie's. Our visit will be a lasting experience!
Carol Campbell
February 6, 2009
Thank you for your wonderful restaurant and all the great memories it has created for us on our trips to NYC! Go there everytime I am in NYC.
Jason Green
February 6, 2009
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
James Lucas
February 6, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Reading Psalms 121 is a very comforting scriptural passage. There you will find assurance of God’s support as well. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Patricia Madia
February 6, 2009
We offer our Condolence and Memories of "The Deli Man", 26 years ago, we ate at the Carnegie Deli, and my son(was 8) an he still orders (at Pramanti's in Pgh) Hold the Slaw and Fries and Double the Pastrami on a heel. We Thank you.
The Woody Allen March 2008
Freddie Edwards
February 6, 2009
Rest in Peace my friend. You truly made a lot of people happy. You deserve a break. Condolences to the family. God Bless
John Linder
February 6, 2009
Please enjoy your last hot dog Milt, we will too.....!
Patty Schoen-Jones
February 5, 2009
Dear Family & Friends,
So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man and DELI! Another bright star is shining in the evening sky.
Stacie Shonkwiler
February 5, 2009
Our prayers are with your family. Your father ran a wonderful business. I have only eaten there twice, but both of those memories are dear to me.
Sissy Grant
February 5, 2009
I have what you would call a Pokey day every day. There is at least one person a day that I say to them "tell someone that you love them." Also, SOUP now has a different meaning, and that is getting together with good friends......
Gail Siegel
February 5, 2009
Rest In Peace, Milton Parker. I have many fond memories of eating at the Carnegie Deli.
D. ZIMMERMAN
February 5, 2009
REST IN PEACE MILTON PARKER
Cecilia Novak
February 5, 2009
Dear Family,
My sister and I took our very first trip to NY in 2006 and right across the street from our hotel was the Carnegie Deli. I knew it was a famous place so we had dinner there and were not disappointed. I am so sorry for your loss but know that the memories of so many people will keep him alive.
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