Dr. H. Parker Lansdale III

LANSDALE, Dr. H. Parker, III Dr. H. Parker Lansdale, III, 83, devoted husband of Dorothy P. Lansdale, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday (July 26, 2006). Dr. Lansdale was the son of the late Herbert P. Lansdale, Jr. and the late Marjorie M. Lansdale. A former Bridgeport, and Sarasota, FL resident, Parker was well known and respected as a minister, historian, non profit administrator, community leader and activist. He served his country from 1942 to 1946 in the United States Marine Corps. He was a graduate of Oberlin College and Yale Divinity School and was an ordained Presbyterian minister. His career began in 1948 at the New Haven YMCA where he served as General Secretary for eight years. His career continued on at the YMCA of Wilmington, DE, the YMCA of Greater New York, and the YMCA of Greater Bridgeport. In 1969 with the collaboration of his peers, Parker began the Higher Education Center for Urban Studies (HECUS). He was also directly involved with the following community organizations: The Action for Bridgeport Community Development (ABCD), The United Way of Eastern Fairfield County, The Rotary Club of Bridgeport, Park City Hospital, Bridgeport Model Cities, Connecticut Health Plan, People's Bank, The Southern Connecticut Gas Company, and The Greater Bridgeport Area Foundation. After his "retirement" in 1983, he and his wife, Dorothy, moved to Sarasota, FL. While in Sarasota, Parker continued to follow his YMCA work where he authored "History of the Work with Youth in the YMCA (1900-1970)". He was also a contributing editor on "There is a Tide" in 2000. Parker continued to serve his community in Sarasota by his involvement with the First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota and with the University of South Florida at Sarasota (New College) where he was the recipient of the Community Partner in Education award in 1997. Parker is survived by Dorothy P. Lansdale, his wife of 30 years; his children Ann T. Lansdale; Kirk M. Lansdale and his wife Virginia; Todd A. Lansdale and his wife Cynthia; Thomas A. Deschamps and his wife Joyce; Margaret D. Sticklen and her husband, Jon; Brian P. Deschamps and his wife, Maryellen; and Patricia S. Deschamps and her fiance, Stuart. "Pop Pop" will be missed by his grandchildren, Krista and Tara Lansdale, Daniel and Laura Deschamps, Danielle and Gabrielle Deschamps, and Mitra Sticklen. He is also survived by his brother, Bruce and his wife, Tad Lansdale of Greece and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be help on Sunday, August 6, at 1 p.m. in the United Congregational Church, 877 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. At Dr. Lansdale's request, in lieu of flowers all contributions in his memory can be made in his name to The Greater Bridgeport Area Foundation, 211 State St., Bridgeport, CT. Please send your stories and/or photos to JoyceADeschamps@aol.com to be added to the website http//www.parkerlansdalememorial.info/ THE PARENTE_LAURO FUNERAL HOME 559 WASHTNGTON AVE. Bridgeport, Ct. 06604 is in charge of local arrangements.