Dean Parker

1938 - 2018

Dean Parker

Norfolk - Dean Harrison Parker (July 21, 1938 - June 9, 2018)

Dean Harrison Parker died at home in Mathews, Virginia, surrounded by loved ones, following a long battle with Parkinson's disease, on Saturday, June 9, 2018. He was 79 years old.

Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Dean graduated from Maury High School and William & Mary of Norfolk (now Old Dominion University), and then served loyally and with distinction in the U.S. Army and Merchant Marine service. He took pride in delivering material and supplies to American troops stationed in Vietnam and Kuwait. An avid sailor and globe trotter throughout his adult life, Dean repeatedly visited 6 continents and navigated every ocean. With a twinkle in his eye and playful grin, he always particularly relished regaling family and friends with sailor-appropriate limericks, and dramatic anecdotes from his countless voyages and ports.

Dean's five-decade maritime career began upon graduation from high school, working as a deck hand on the Old Bay Line traveling between Norfolk and Baltimore. Dean taught the 6th grade at Little Creek Elementary School in Norfolk, also worked as a licensed real estate broker, and owned and managed various rentals properties. In the 1970's, he returned to the sea and obtained a Master's License, sailed many types of vessels including the S.S. United States, and ultimately retired while sailing LASH ships.

Following its recovery from the ocean floor 60 miles east of the Chesapeake Bay, Dean was instrumental in identifying the historical significance of the "Cinmar blade," a 22,000-year-old ancient artifact the Smithsonian examined and described as the oldest example of human technology in the Western Hemisphere.



During the last 20 years, Dean retired to Mathews County, where he enjoyed his family, being near the water, and indulging his creative interests in photography and rock and roll. He was predeceased by his parents Morris Vincent Parker and Grace Naomi Parker (née Woodin), and will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Pia Parker (née Rengers), his three children, John (Allison), Kedron and Elske (Peter) and six grandchildren, Bill, Elske, Ateo, Nico, Lorenzo and Abby. His passing occurred 4 months shy of the birth of a seventh grandchild.

Dean's entire family extends their heartfelt gratitude to caregivers Regina Pritchett, Annie Harpe and Joyce Cosby for their selfless and steadfast support.

A private ceremony and commemoration will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made to WHRO https://support.whro.org/other-ways-to-support/memorial-gifts.



View the online memorial for Dean Parker