Kenneth Orville Parker

1942 - 2023

Kenneth Orville Parker, aged eighty, peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at his residence in Pittsfield, MA. He was born in Middletown, Connecticut on October 21, 1942. Kenneth was the son of Edith Mae (Bain) Panas, with his father remaining unknown. As a young orphan, he spent eight years at the Little Home for Wanderers until, at the age of ten, he was adopted by Dorothy (Burnett) Parker and Theodore Parker.

Kenneth received his education in local schools in Adams, MA and contributed to his family's dairy farm throughout his youth. Following his high school graduation, Kenneth enlisted in the Navy in 1961, dedicating four years of service. He was stationed in multiple locations, including Florida, California, Hawaii, and courageously embarked on several tours of duty in Vietnam during the war.

Upon returning to the Berkshires, Ken embarked on a diverse professional journey. He held various roles, including serving as a silkscreen print operator at Editions Limited in Pittsfield, MA, where he honed his craft under the guidance of the esteemed master printer, John Ahlen. Additionally, he dedicated several years of his life to Stone Marketing in Adams, MA, where he worked in the packing and shipping department.

In 1986, Ken joined the Berkshire Eagle team in Pittsfield, MA. His role there included newspaper courier, collector, and salesperson. He diligently contributed his expertise at the Eagle for three decades until his well-earned retirement in 2016. Concurrently, he enjoyed a successful twenty-five-year career with Gowdy Standoff's/KD Office Supplies as an office supplies carrier.

Ken was not only a dedicated worker but also an artist at heart. He found peace and joy in the world of creativity, crafting numerous special works of art that he generously shared with friends and family. His love for art was paralleled by his passion for gardening, eating delicious meals, and exploring music. He shared a great love and dedication for his family and enjoyed supporting his daughter and grandchildren in their various pursuits of dance, sports, technology, and music. Ken also enjoyed spending time with friends. He loved to laugh, have fun and if you met him, you most likely would not forget him! A special thank you to Richard and Liz Zucco for creating a second home for him at their restaurant over the past twenty years where many happy memories and friends were made.

Kenneth Orville Parker was predeceased by his love and partner of eighteen years, Vera Louise Blanchard (Pittsfield, MA), as well as his birth mother, Edith Mae (Bain) Panas, and her partner, Christopher Goodwin. He was also preceded in death by his adopted parents, Dorothy Parker (Burnett) and Theodore Parker and stepson Robert S. Caccamo.

He is survived by his daughter, Kendra (Blanchard) Lassor, and partner Joel Pekosz his stepson, Brent Caccamo, son-in law Richard Andrew Lassor, and grandsons Gabriel and Julian Lassor. He is also survived by a brother Gary Bishop, his wife Geraldine Bishop (deceased) and niece Gina (Bishop) Fasser. He also leaves behind longtime friend and companion Nancy Culver and her daughter Shana (Culver) Burris. Ken leaves behind a very large extended "family" of friends who were very close to him and will miss him dearly.

Kenneth's life was one marked by service, creativity, laughter, and love, and his memory will forever live on in the many hearts of those he touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "Soldier On", 290 Merrill Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201 (www.wesoldieron.org)(email: info@wesoldieron.org) phone: 413-582-3059, or local VFW Post 448, PO Box 733, Pittsfield, MA 01202.