John G. "JP" Parker

GENEVA – John G. Parker "JP", 79, passed away peacefully at home from a short bout with cancer.

John was born February 12, 1945 in Geneva, N.Y. He was the son of Anne (York) and John (Prepilik) Parker.

John's grandparents, aunts and uncles on his father's side were born in Austria and came to the U.S. in 1907. Then his father was born in Kearny, N.J. along with two more uncles after his father. They lived in the Bronx. His mother and father met in NYC and settled in Geneva. They had one of the first houses built on Bennett Street.

John excelled in school throughout his life. He played lacrosse in high school and was the president of his senior class, always a popular guy. He worked at the American Can and Stone Quarry. He married in his late twenties to Vicki Withiam and had two daughters. He owned a bar in downtown Geneva called "Night Owl". He attended Nazareth College later in life and was the outdoor education teacher at Nazareth for two years. He also coached the Newark Reds and helped them win their first season. His favorite job was being the manager of The Smith Opera House for 12 years. John met and worked with many stars including Billy Joel, Elton John, Dave Matthews, and many more.

John has lived in California and helped organize protests and lived in Florida as well. He loved helping and human rights. He spent the majority of his life in Geneva. He is well known and loved by many for his caring and funny nature. He was a mentor to so many.

John loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, live music, politics, art, sports, his Yankees, and the abstract. He liked to collect things. He was very intelligent, caring, down to earth, had a funny sense of humor and busted balls a lot. When you met him you didn't forget him. He'll be remembered for many things.

He is survived by his two daughters, Jessica (Phil) Fischer and Lilah Parker; five grandchildren, Mariah Defilippo, Raven (Andrew) Williams, Alex, Thea, and Evan Crelley; four great-grandchildren, Wally and Lincoln Morabito and Aria and Ava Williams; several granddaughters from another; several fur babies; also some Parker cousins in Ohio, Eugene Sr., Eugene Jr., and Scott Parker; as well as many friends. John was an only child.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Anne Parker; many aunts and uncles.

There will be no visitation or funeral per John's wishes. He did say to have a Celebration on his birthday. You may send cards or leave flowers for him or the family at 540 Preemption Rd., Geneva. He will be missed by many.

www.devaneybennettfh.com