NATHAN K. PARKER Jr.

PARKER NATHAN K., Jr.
Of Fox Chapel, passed peacefully on Tuesday, April 12, 2016. Beloved husband of Dolores Walker Parker and the late Janice C. Parker; loving father of Cynthia P. Hurley of Harmar Twp, Nathan J. Parker of Pittsburgh and Keith B. Parker (Robert) of Swisshelm Park; stepfather of Julia (Paul) Leonard of Atlanta, GA, Phillip (Sue) Walker of Glen Rock, NJ, Matthew (Jane) Walker of Baltimore, MD, Andrew Walker of Fort Worth, TX; nine grandchildren; brother of Charles "Pete" (Ann) Parker of Tucson, AZ and the late Susan Livingston. At the request of Mr. Parker there will be no visitation. A service of remembrance will be observed on Tuesday April 26, 2016, 11:00 a.m. Christ Church Fox Chapel, 630 Squaw Run Road East with a reception to follow immediately at The Pittsburgh Field Club, 121 Field Club Road, Fox Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association. Born in 1930, the oldest of three children, Nate demonstrated from an early age remarkable intelligence combined with unwavering determination to learn and explore subjects largely beyond his age group. An early and ultimately lifelong interest in education lead him to acquire two degrees from Dartmouth College and a law degree from the University of Michigan. After completing his education, Nate assumed a position with his father's company, Kay Richards & Co., which resulted in the merger of Kay Richards and McKelvey & Sons, forming a new entity Parker/Hunter, Inc., whose board he chaired. Nate eventually left Parker/Hunter to pursue other business interests and entrepreneurial opportunities that landed him in the role of Founder, CEO and Chairman of the Board, the Daniels Group, Inc., a position he held at the time of his death. Throughout his adult life Nate resided in the Borough of Fox Chapel and in addition to his business pursuits maintained an active interest and involvement in community activities and numerous philanthropic endeavors. His important affiliations included serving as President of the Fox Chapel School Board, President of Fox Chapel Borough, President of the Pittsburgh Rotary Club, Founder and Chairman of the non-profit Free Enterprise, Inc. and Board Member, Emeritus and officer of the not for profit EconomicsPennsylvania organization. An active golfer and tennis player, Nate was a member of various social organizations in the Pittsburgh area including membership in The Duquesne Club, The Fox Chapel Golf Club and the Fox Chapel Racquet Club which he co-founded. His many friends will remember Nate as a man of vision, boundless energy, compassion and uniquely sensitive to the needs of others with a determination to help societal problems whether in the business environment, public sector or private charitable arena. As a testimonial it was once observed that Nate reflected the persona of the consummate gentleman. Always in suit or jacket and tie, courtly, courteous and with such an imposing figure that when he entered a room he brought with him a "sense of presence" and dignity that was impressive and impactful. Recognized as a gifted host, Nate was as gracious and generous as he was skilled in what was once referred to as his ability to "collect people" and bring out the best in each and encourage the dreams of others. Nate Parker was 85. Funeral arrangements by WEDDELL-AJAK FUNERAL HOME, Aspinwall.