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.
