Robert Philip Parkhurst

Robert Philip Parkhurst, 87, of Magnolia, Delaware, formerly of Miller Place, New York, and Adams, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully January 20, 2026 surrounded by family.

Born on March 10, 1938, in Adams, MA, Robert was the beloved son of the late Philip and Mildred Parkhurst. He dedicated his life to family, service, and community.

Robert proudly served in the United States Army, where his dedication and leadership earned him the rank of Command Sergeant Major. Following his distinguished military service, Robert continued to serve his community as a patrol officer with the Suffolk County, New York Police Department from 1967 until his retirement in 1987. His commitment to service continued in civilian life, working with the Army Reserve Center in Rocky Point and later as a Security Officer at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, NY. In 2017, Robert and his wife settled into retirement in Delaware.

On October 25, 1958, Robert married the love of his life, Ann Joyce Parkhurst (Emrich). Together they shared 67 years of marriage built on faith, love, and family.

Robert is survived by his devoted wife, Ann, and their three loving children: Karen Cain and her husband Fred, Daniel Parkhurst and his wife Anita, and Ann Parkhurst. He will be deeply missed by his thirteen cherished grandchildren: Robert Cain, Jamie Cain, Erin Cain, Brenden Cain, Eric Parkhurst, Rachel Parkhurst, Dana Vogler, Amanda Privitera, Samantha Jensen, Jo-Ann King, Maureen Balazy, Peter A.J. Colletta, and June Colletta; and by his thirteen great-grandchildren: Emily McGee, Julianna Geraci, Quinn Cain, Amelia Reynolds, Emma Parkhurst, Austin Vogler, Riley Jensen, Madison Jensen, James Jensen, Kaden Decker, Jaycee Decker, Jackson Decker, and Kashton Decker.

Robert will be remembered for his strength, integrity, and deep sense of duty. He was a man who found joy in his family's accomplishments, pride in his service, and peace in a life lived with purpose. He enjoyed traveling the world with his wife Ann, large family vacations in Virginia and card games at the kitchen table. He was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Later in life he spent hours putting together complex puzzles, coin collecting, and visits to the casino where he usually won at least a little. His favorite activity was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A celebration of Robert's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to the Suffolk County Police Memorial Fund at https://scpmf.org/about.html or a veteran's organization of your choice.