The Honorable Karl J. Parrish
AGE: 88 • Wilmington, Delaware
The Honorable Karl J. Parrish, retired Judge for the State of Delaware's Family Court, died July 2nd, 2016 with his loving family by his side. He died 8 months to the day after losing his beloved wife, Marian E. Purdy Parrish in November, 2015. He was 88.
Born in Wilmington DE to the late Mary Catherine Parrish and Edwin Thomas Parrish, he served as a Navigator in the United States Marine Air Corps from 1945-1947. He graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor of Arts, Sociology degree in 1951, University of Pennsylvania with a Master of Science, Social Work degree in 1953 and Temple University with a Juris Doctor, Law degree in 1966. He was a graduate of Harvard, National College of Advocacy in 1975 and a graduate of University of Nevada, National Judicial College in 1979.
He served as the Director of Counseling and Supervisor of Probation Officers for the Family Court in the State of Delaware in 1955, Director of Clinical Youth Services at Ferris School for Boys in 1960, appointed by Gov. Terry as Director for the Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission in 1966, appointed by Gov. Tribbet as Consumers Affairs Council in 1973, Consultant on Drug Abuse at the Alfred I. DuPont School District in 1974, Chairman for the New Castle County Housing Authority in 1975, Instructor of Law for the University of Delaware from 1972- 1974, Adjunct Professor of Law at Goldey Beacom College from 1973-1978, Consultant of Child Abuse and Neglect for the Department of Social Services in 1978 and was appointed to the Family Court Bench in 1979 by Gov. DuPont and served as a Judge for the Family Court in the State of Delaware until his retirement in 1991.
He also served on many committees throughout his career including, American Bar Association, American Trial Lawyers Association, Chief Justice Committee on Bail and Recognizance, Board of Directors for the Children's Bureau of Delaware, Vice President of the Delaware Association of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Delaware Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, National Counsel of Family Court Judges, and Sons of the American Revolution, to name a few. He also served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, DE.
During his retirement he served as an officer and lecturer for a number of Historical Societies, his favorite being the oldest of its kind in the United States, The American Catholic Historical Society. The Society published Judge Parrish's book concerning Catholic Pioneers in the Allegheny Mountains. He also had several articles published including "Non Support"; National Journal of Social Work and "Delinquency"; Survey Magazine.
Above all of his accomplishments, he was most proud of his family, whom he adored, and was always there for advice, support and encouragement. He enjoyed nature, genealogy research and spent many summers at Fenwick Island Beach with his family creating wonderful memories for all to cherish.
He is survived by his sons, Mathew (Janet) Parrish of MD, Michael (Linda) Parrish of MD and Mark (Stephanie) Parrish of DE; his grandchildren, Jason, Thomas, Nicholas, Sarah, Stephen, Matthew, Alexis and Jamie; and his great grandchildren, Jessica and Anthony.
Friends and Family are invited to attend a Memorial Service that will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday July 28 at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE, 19803, where friends are invited to call after 5:30 pm.
Online condolences visit:
www.mccreryandharra.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by McCrery & Harra Funeral Home and Crematory - Concord Pike.
3 Entries
Oh my! I am just learning of this today!!!! I am heartbroken. He was my dear "pen pal" and friend. I met Karl when he and his friend the priest were selling their book and I worked at the Cambria County Library in Johnstown. We sold hundreds of the books' and to be honest, I think I do not own my own copy of it! I am saddened. What a delightful man he was. My heart goes out to all who knew him.
Trudy Myers
Friend
April 12, 2017
Our sympathy and prayers for Karl and kin and friends. Karl, you are much missed and it has been my honor to have known you. Jim & Freddie Rosenbaum
James Rosenbaum
August 12, 2016
Judge Parish was so kind to me when I was a new judge, as he was to other Family Court judges. I will always remember and appreciate his thoughtfulness.
Barbara Crowell
Barbara Crowell
July 26, 2016
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Jul
28
5:30 p.m.
McCrery & Harra Funeral Home and Crematory - Concord Pike3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803
Jul
28
7:00 p.m.
McCrery & Harra Funeral Home and Crematory - Concord Pike3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803
Funeral services provided by:
McCrery & Harra Funeral Home and Crematory - Concord Pike3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more