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Parker Bennett Sherwood III
1950 - 2021
Parker Bennett Sherwood III
1950 - 2021
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Parker Sherwood Obituary
Parker Bennett Sherwood III
Aug. 9, 1950 - Jan. 8, 2021
On Friday, January 8, 2021 Parker Bennett Sherwood III, loving husband and father of two children, passed away after a brief but tragic battle with Covid-19.
He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Cynthia Clusen Sherwood; his 13 year old son Parker Bennett Sherwood IV; his 10 year old daughter Laurel Brynn Sherwood; and extended family.
Parker was born on August 9, 1950 in Schenectady to Parker Bennett Sherwood, Jr. and Doris Dox Sherwood. He received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education at the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, in 1975.
A man of many interests who reinvented himself numerous times, he also held a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Syracuse University, studied Hotel Management at Paul Smiths College, accounting at SUNY Albany, and earned a number of Microsoft certifications. While his last professional position was as a computer technician with Community Bank, NA in Canton, he also had careers teaching elementary school music and college philosophy, and rose through the ranks in human services organizations where he served those with mental illness.
In addition to these achievements, Parker had a very early career as a marimbist and percussionist who played regularly with the Albany Symphony while a student at Scotia-Glenville High School. As an adult he developed a passion for backpacking and canoeing in the Adirondacks. These lengthy solo trips were deeply meaningful to him and led him to become a strong advocate for the protection of the Adirondacks.
Their shared interest in music and the Adirondacks was one of the things that brought Parker and his wife Cynthia together. They married in 2004 and had two beautiful children who miss him and his Dad jokes dearly. He spent the last eight years of his life as a stay-at-home Dad, totally devoted to Parker and Laurel. He loved to cook for his family, garden and landscape, and support his kids in all their academic and extra-curricular endeavors. Above all else, those who knew him best knew what it was to be loved totally and unconditionally. He was his wife's and children's biggest fan and supporter.
A private celebration of Parker's life will be at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to Protect the Adirondacks or the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation.
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Frederick Church
April 10, 2022
I had not seen Parker in over 30 years, but the fact that I looked him up after all that time tells you what an impression he made on me. He was getting a degree in philosophy at Syracuse University, and I was a naive undergraduate trying to decide what to do. Parker had a keen intellect, a work ethic that dwarfed mine, and great patience explaining things. He had begun his study of philosophy, he told me, in order to understand the esthetic experience. "What makes something art?" he would ask me. He would then tell me all the things that were the incorrect answers, but he was still searching for the "right" answer.
My condolences to his family. He was a generous and brilliant man.
Holly Clark
March 31, 2021
Deciding to look up my old friend, I was shocked and saddened to see that he had passed. How could that be? He was so full of life and energy. We worked together at Mohawk Opportunities in the Dominion House residence in the early 80's and I have many fond, happy memories of our time there together. He was unassuming about his education and talents, but these accomplishments would sneak through in his work, in our spirited discussions about philosophy and his leading the house residents in musical games. While I grieve his loss, it is good to know that he found happiness in marriage and having beautiful children, who must miss him terribly. Please accept my sincere sympathy for the loss of my old friend Parker. I loved him dearly, as did so many others. Please take care and enjoy your cherished memories.
Bill Hartman
January 29, 2021
I was in the same elementary school class with Parker whose nickname was Skip. We were friends and I used to go to his house and see him play the marimba. He was very talented.
I lost track of him after high school and just a couple of days ago I thought I´d see if I could look him up. I feel sad that I didn´t do that sooner. I always remember him as a very good person.
Aaron Friot
January 23, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear about Parker's passing. He was a great guy and I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to work with him for a few years. He will be missed by all of those who were fortunate enough to have met him.
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Alan Silvidi
January 22, 2021
Mr. Sherwood was my music teacher in Fulton, New York, in the mid-1970s. He was kind, thoughtful, and very good to his students. My family moved away from Fulton in 1979, but he was one of the most indelible people from my elementary school years, and he has served as one of my models through the 28 years of my own teaching career. Rest in peace, Mr. Sherwood.
Camille Elkins
January 22, 2021
Mr. Sherwood was my music teacher at Lanigan Elementary in Fulton, NY. I remember him so well and I loved going to music class! He was a wonderful teacher and my clearest memory is of him teaching us the harpsichord. I'm just sorry I didn't get to tell him that. I am a teacher now and his wonderful teaching inspires me to work even harder.
Jenn Gibbs
January 21, 2021
Sending love and condolences to Cindy, Parker, and Laurel. Parker will be dearly missed. He was indeed someone who cared deeply and engaged wholly in whatever he put his mind to. I will forever be grateful for the positive impact he had on my life, including fostering my love of learning and spending time in nature. In my collection, the photos he took (when photography was in his laser focus) far outnumber the images I have of him, so consider this image a bit like capturing the Yeti in his element: 1993, he'd just finished Day 7 of a backwoods adventure in the West Canadas.
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