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Henry Parker Obituary
Henry Ellsworth Parker, 90, the former state treasurer of Connecticut and New Haven mayoral candidate, died on September 29, 2018 in New Haven County. Parker was elected state treasurer in 1974, on the Democratic ticket that saw Ella T. Grasso gain office as the state's first female governor. As Connecticut treasurer, Parker was sole fiduciary of the state's $3.8 billion pension fund, and served as Bond Commissioner, Bank Commissioner and a member of the Financial Advisory Board. His charismatic personality, grace, eloquence and sartorial elegance quickly became a hallmark of his visionary leadership and expanding national influence in the financial services arena. Among his many achievements as treasurer was the creation of Yankee Mac, a $450 million home mortgage program helping the urban centers, and his chairmanship of the Governor's Task Force on South Africa, a body that produced for Connecticut model anti-apartheid legislation, the first in the nation. He counted as his greatest achievement his 1977 chairmanship of the State Citizen's Committee that resulted in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday becoming a state holiday seven years before it became a national holiday. Governor Grasso signed it into law in 1976. In 1986, Hank joined Atalanta Sosnoff Capital Corporation in New York. He retired from the financial services industry in 1997. Hank was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with his friends in Connecticut during the summer, spring, and fall and enjoyed the Palm Coast in the winter. His parents, son, Curtis Hasan; three sisters, Thelma Parker Wiley, Bettye Parker Ford, Florence Parker Monroe, and brother, Jerome Parker, precede him in death. In addition to his wife of fifty-nine years, Janette (Jan) and his daughter Janet, he leaves to mourn a sister, Peggy Parker Ammons; his grandson Troy Brown, a great grandson, Daniel Brown and mother Janice Long; nephew, Frank Wiley; nieces, Lisa Monroe, Susan Monroe, Jodi Ammons Johnson and Riley Johnson. He is also mourned by the Johnson family of Poughkeepsie, NY; and a host of friends. A celebration of Mr. Parker's life and legacy will be held Friday, October 5, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Dixwell Ave. Congregational United Church of Christ, 217 Dixwell Ave., New Haven. Viewing and visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Beaverdale Memorial Park. Calling hours will be held at the church Thursday, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Professional services entrusted to Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight St., New Haven. Online guestbook available at curvinkcouncil.com. In lieu of flowers, please forward charitable contributions to the Henry E. Parker Educational Scholarship Fund, c/o Martyn Philpot, Jr., LLC, 409 Orange Street, New Haven, CT, 06511.
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Memories and Condolences
for Henry Parker
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Primary night 1971. I'd returned from NJ for two weekends.
Joe McCauley
September 13, 2019
I was the unofficial chairman, ward healer, of the 19th ward when Hank ran for mayor both times. I knew him well and liked him. I was the machine guy, the tech organizer, for the New Politcs Corner, and Hank would from time to time look at me in a slightly puzzeled way and ask 'Did you play football?' (No, I had raced outboards). He never called me 'Joe' he always called me 'Texas' although I had never been to Texas and was from Ky. I did end up in Texas though, so Hank was right in advance. After leaving politics and sticking with physics Lee Wallace called me in NJ and asked if I'd return (as organizer, of course) if they'd get me a job in the State Treasurer's Office. I said no and never regretted it. We'd put Liev=berman in office, the first time by a hair, the second time by a landslide, and that was enough. I regret to read that Hank has passed on, my best regards to Jan.
Robert Fortino
January 6, 2019
I was a 1st year teacher at M. J. Whalen Jr.High and coached
football with Hank Parker. He was someone I looked up to and
admired for his caring, warmth, and concern for people. I
learned a great deal from his experience as a teacher. He will always be remembered as an important person in my life.
Bob Fortino
dennis j murphy
October 11, 2018
coach its what we called him, after only a short time that's what he was known as coach parker. I met him in 1964.i showed up for football tryouts 2 days late because I came from st john the Baptist school and did not know my way around yet...the huge man with the clip board said can I help you son.yes sir I would like to try out for the team hmm what position do you play I said center now comes our reall meeting...he chucled a bit you see I was 5ft 1 and weighed 120 lbs.little small and he said well snap some balls and ill see......by the time my jr high career ended I was the captain and he refered to me as murphy you are my tiger. I ran into coach parker many years later in a resterant 45 or so years later and yes he remembered me as much as I he I was at the funeral mass on dixwell ave church and wanted to tell coaches daughter what a great dancer her dad was because he taught dance in gym class as well daper dresser , one cool man best coach I ever had.and we beat derbey that year 8 to 6 respectfully dennis j murphy
October 5, 2018
Dear Lisa,
You're in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this very sad moment in your life. Just know that God is our source of strength and guidance through difficult times. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus states, "... and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Jodie Stewart-Moore
Cynthia Teixeira
October 5, 2018
To The Parker Family,
I hope the legacy left behind by this wonderful man will not be lost on those in this community and that the gauntlet will be taken up to continue his good works.
We have lost a man of grace, committed to give his very best. We should all follow his lead. Wishing you God's Peace as you bid "Hank" farewell.
October 5, 2018
A man of great public service and a shining
example for us all. It is not the number of
years by which we should measure a man but by
what he has done during the years that he is
with us. Accordingly, it should surprise no one
when I say that Henry Parker was a giant of a
man.
Guy West
Ken Palmieri
October 4, 2018
MR Parker was my teacher and coach at MJ Whalen Jr High in Hamden . Along with having a great career in his political life he was a fine man and role model for all young people in a very troubled time. He also was a very good basketball player. My condolences to his family. RIP coach.
PS I think Ill take one more lap COACH
Mary Phil Guinan
October 4, 2018
Dear Jan, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I hope the rich and full life you had together provides some consolation and comfort. Sending thoughts and prayers you way, Mary Phil
Ken Innocenzi
October 4, 2018
Janet and Family, My first experience with Hank was at the MJ Whalen Jr High School, where he served as a teacher, coach, but most of all a great role model for all of us. Many years later, I can still hear him "All right, boys take another lap (around Rochford Field. I will fondly remember Hank as a great human being and I send my condolences to you and your family.
LES SPECOR
October 3, 2018
While attending M.J. Whalen Jr. High in the late 60's I had the privilege of having Henry as a health teacher, gym teach and football coach. It was as a coach that he not only taught me the game of football but also values of life and the responsibility of becoming a man. He had a saying... "The effort you put on the field will translate in life".
I will truly miss you Hank. You have left an indelible impression on me forever.
Love you. Rest in piece Hank.
LES Spector
October 3, 2018
While attending MJ Whalen Jr. High school I had the privilege of having Henry Parker as my health teacher, gym teacher and football coach. As a coach he not only taught me football, but prepared me for life. He had a saying that the effort you put on the field will carry through life. Thank you, Hank. I will miss you.
In my thoughts always.
October 3, 2018
Dear Jan,
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved Hank. I am so, so sorry. He was a giant of a man with a very kind heart, the likes of which we may never see again. His many years of public service along with your many years of service are not only admirable; they are downright heroic! The world has been a much better place with both of you in it and I want to thank you both for your friendship over the years. I am deeply appreciative of the wisdom you imparted to me in the field of child care which has been my career for the last 30 years. You and Hank have played such a major role in both the City's and the State's histories, and have been role models to everyone who has had the pleasure of meeting you and getting to know you. For all this, I thank you!
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with both you and your family.
Stay strong!
Sincerely,
Paul Lepri
New Haven, CT.
William M. Brown
October 3, 2018
My condolences to the Parker Family. Hank and I grew close professionally and personally. I started my News career at WKND/Radio about the time he was elected State Treasurer. I treasure his letter thanking me in joining his successful action making Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday a State Holiday. "Well Done Thy Good and Faithful Servant..Well Done". Henry Ellsworth Parker Rest In Peace.
David Nauss
October 3, 2018
Hank Parker deftly guided the Connecticut State Treasury through a period of national financial challenges in the 1980's. The National State Treasurers Association elected Hank Parker as its President, an accolade to his achievements. I feel honored to have been a trusted friend. My sincere condolences to Jan, the flower of love in Hank's lapel. David Nauss, Past President, Connecticut Bankers Association.
Dee Marshall
October 3, 2018
My condolences to the Parker family ; Jan and Your Dear Mother may the beautiful memories be with you always in the bank of life-
Lindy Lee Gold
October 3, 2018
Hank Parker's work and memory are a blessing to our community and beyond. He is iconic and our world is better for his having been in it. Sincere condolences
Tom Clifford
October 2, 2018
To Henry's Family - I first met "Hank" in 1975. He was a true gentleman, in every respect, both in his impressive bearing and temperament. A seminal figure in our state's political history, he gave of his time and heart. I always enjoyed our encounters. Indeed, in retrospect, "Hank" adhered to the "Jesuit Tradition" of "Service to Others." My deepest sympathy upon your loss.
Beryl Carr
October 2, 2018
So sorry for your lost. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Beryl
Susan Adams
October 2, 2018
My Sincere condolences to the Parker Family. My mother Nellie was fond of both he and his wife. May God be comfort and strength to all during this difficult time. RIP Mr. Parker.
Mark Davis
October 2, 2018
Dear Jan and family; Sincerest condolences on the loss of Hank. He helped me many times, especially with stories about the Clintons and their time in New Haven back in the 1970's. He was a first class guy.
Chris Burton
October 2, 2018
He was a good man and a good public servant. May he rest in peace.
Mary Russell
October 2, 2018
RIP Mr Parker, job well done.
October 2, 2018
Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years. May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.
Beth Wolak
October 2, 2018
Henry Parker was also a teacher in the early 60s at M.J. Whalen Jr. High in Hamden. I remember him so well. He was a great teacher with a booming voice and a great sense of humor.
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