Keith Wesley Parker

Keith Wesley Parker passed away peacefully on January 10th, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was born in Winchester, MA on September 22, 1944, to Marjorie L. Parker (Bullard) and Robert E. Parker, and grew up with his two brothers on Bancroft Street in Reading, Massachusetts and on Main Street in Lancaster, New Hampshire.

He attended Reading Memorial High School in Massachusetts, graduated from Lancaster Academy in New Hampshire in 1962, and earned his bachelor's degree from Olivet College in Michigan in 1966.

In the words of his grandchildren, "Grandpa Bigshot" was an absolute legend of a human being, football coach, dad, grandpa, teacher, and friend. A lifelong educator and coach, Keith was beloved by all who knew him. Teaching and coaching weren't just his job; they were his passion, and he spent his life guiding and encouraging young people. He started his career with the Boys & Girls Club of Charlestown before joining Boston Public Schools and finding his home at Boston English High School, where he remained from 1977 until retiring in 2009.

At Boston English High School, Keith "Coach PK" built a legendary football program. He served as Head Football Coach for 30 years and Assistant Coach for three, leading his teams to five City League Championships, five Super Bowl appearances, and two Super Bowl victories in 1993 and 1997, including an undefeated season in 1997. He also served as Assistant Girls Basketball Coach, helping guide the team to the 1986 State Semi-Finals, with his daughter Lauren, affectionately known as "Lady Bird," as the starting point guard.

Keith's impact extended far beyond wins and losses. His coaching philosophy was simple and unwavering: to teach commitment, earn respect, and develop loyalty. He was inducted into the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Boston English High School Hall of Fame, was named Boston Globe Coach of the Year twice, served twice as a Shriner's Game Coach, and was a longtime Executive Board Member of the MHSFCA.

Keith is remembered for showing up for others, always. Whether waking at three in the morning to make sure his daughter had coffee before an early flight, or setting aside his own needs to support a student, player, family member, or friend, he made people feel seen, valued, and cared for. He used his time with others to offer life lessons that ranged from how to drive a stick shift, to making a perfect cup of coffee, to being punctual, to always believing in yourself and trying your best, to never giving up, to what it means to love and care for the people in your life.

Famous for his flawless sense of direction, he could guide you across town without a map and through life with steady confidence. His advice was practical, thoughtful, and rooted in kindness, and he gave it freely to anyone who asked (and sometimes to those who didn't). He had a rare gift for helping others find their way, and his compass-both literal and moral-never failed.

Keith faced cancer the same way he approached life. With heart, humor, and care for others. Even while sharing health updates, he was quick to reassure everyone that he was okay and that it was, as he liked to say, "All good in the neighborhood."

Keith was predeceased by his parents and by the mother of his children, Marsha Crane.

He is survived by his wife, Diana, with whom he shared 22 deeply meaningful years; daughters Lauren Parker and Jennifer (Gary) Spencer; brothers Bruce Parker and Robert (Linda) Parker; grandchildren Brett Keith Spencer and Crow Domhaine; nephew Jason Parker; niece Debra O'Brien; and his wife's children and grandchildren, Melissa Avey, Jennifer O'Brien, Benjamin O'Brien, Lisa Bartiet, Michael Tavares, Arlene Geraci and their families.

A Celebration of Life honoring Keith will be held on March 22nd, 2026 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Roundhead Brewing Company in Hyde Park, MA; guests are encouraged to wear Boston English and Boston sports' gear and are warmly invited to raise a glass in remembrance of Coach PK.

In honor of Keith's courageous fight against cancer, the family asks that memorial gifts or charitable donations be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and/or the Brigham & Women's Hospital.