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Thomas Parke Memoriam
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Parke
Sponsored by Jonathan "JP" Parke.
Maureen Ann Aichele
March 2, 2023
Tom, good times, and laughs with you made many fond memories for both my husband Dick and I. We miss our dear friend. Tom, our time together with you was much too short.
Maureen & Dick Aichele
Saratoga Springs, NY
Jonathan Parke
March 2, 2023
as we complete ten years without Dad I simply have no words. so much has happened in my life that I know you have been apart of from your celestial vantage point. my children Nixon and Florence see you in their dreams and occasionally while they were getting diapers changes in Nova Scotia as you played peek-a-boo to calm them down for grammie. I know you're around when you flicker the lights and it helps reassure me I'm on the track or in the right place. anyway old bean, I miss you. more today than when you left us, but I know you are proud of me and what I've accomplished these past 10 years. Grace & Peace
Barbara Naylor
March 2, 2022
Coming from a Bishop's Family and many clergy as well, YOU ARE SO MISSED. I CANNOT EVEN BEGIN TO SAY, HOW MUCH YU ARE NEEDED. I CANT BELIEVE IT HAS BERN 10 YEARS. May our souls and needs be heard....
With Blessings and Worthiness.
Maureen Aichele
March 1, 2022
When I think of you Tom I think of two words, enthusiasm and inspiration. You used both words often. You practiced being both enthusiastic and inspired every day for yourself and for others. Thank you dear friend.
HUBERT MCCROSSEN
March 2, 2021
Fr. Tom, you are in our thoughts and prayers daily. I often think of your sermons whenever I need to be uplifted. We miss you terribly. RIP. The Mccrossen Family
Meditation River
Maureen Aichele
March 1, 2021
A lot of people could use your nurturing at this time. Even the people that did not always agree with you dear friend.
Springtime Joy
Maureen Aichele
March 7, 2020
Your joyful smile and contagious laugh will always be remembered. Miss you dear friend.
Suzanne
March 1, 2020
Father Parke was just wonderful when I was growing up. I was in the choir and told us all how much he appreciated us. One in a million!
HUBERT MCCROSSEN
March 17, 2019
Father Tom, After these several years, the love and understanding that you gave to everyone has not r
faided but grown stronger. The Lord blessed us with your presence and those feelings will stay forever. George Proctor has now joined you and we know that you will take good care of him. RIP in the loving arms of OUR LORD.
The Mccrossen family
Dick Aichele
March 16, 2019
Tom - Think of you often. Your helping hand to others. Your enthusiasm for life including those summer sailings to Nova Scotia you enjoyed. So be aboard again and sail forever on calm seas.
Sacred Spaces, Saratoga State Park, NY
Maureen Aichele
March 6, 2019
Shanti, Shanti, Shanti,
Peace, Peace, Peace,
May you rest in peace my dear friend Tom.
As time flies from here to The, our Memories of You and all those we Love, FLY W/US THRU TIME!
Barbara Naylor
March 5, 2018
As we huff and puff thru our precious years, we know the Force (Grace) of your Spirit of Compassion is With Us , Up Every Hill, and thru all the Bushe
Barbara Naylor
March 5, 2018
Dick Aichele
March 4, 2018
Tom, your years of dedication to Bethesda built a vibrant church. From your early years in Newfoundland and the nearby sea, you set a life course that later helped so many achieve fulfillment. Your sincerity, approach and enthusiasm was described long before by Mark Twain: Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
Heavenly Peace
Maureen Aichele
March 4, 2018
Namaste Tom -
I honor your memory which is of love, of truth, of light and of peace.
March 12, 2017
Father Tom- you are in our thoughts and prayers every day. RIP
Herb & Sheila McCrossen
Maureen Aichele
March 11, 2017
Always in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you Father Tom.
From Maureen and Richard Aichele
Maureen Aichele
March 5, 2016
The Church House is not the same without you my good friend.
July 27, 2015
This is the born again minister I have been writing a biography about for two years
Barbara Cassier
March 12, 2013
It is hard to believe that a year has gone by since Father Tom left us. Even in the last months of his life, he made us laugh, cry and know what real love truly is. I lost my brother shortly before Toms passing and he was more concerned about how I was handling that than his own issues...he was a special man and it will never be the same without him at Bethesda and in our lives.
Maureen Aichele
March 6, 2013
Thank you Tom. Thank you for being a true friend to both my husband Dick and me. Thank you for laughing at my jokes with that big hearty laugh that you had. Thank you for showing such care and concern when our youngest son was ill. Thank you for helping us move just about all our stuff when we sold our house and moved into an apartment. Thank you for calling us at home to make sure we were o.k. when you had not seen us for awhile. Thank you for inviting us over to see your Christmas tree. Thank you for being there for both my husband and me. You will always be in our hearts. Thank you good friend! You are a constant in our thoughts.
in Nova Scotia's waters
Dick & Maureen Aichele
March 6, 2013
Your smile, your caring, your enthusiasm and your friendship will always be missed but your irrepressible spirit will always continue to light the way for us. Dick & Maureen Aichele
The Rev. Dr. Chip Lee
March 5, 2013
A dear friend, valued colleague...who is missed daily.
RCTTP's Last Christmas 2012
March 5, 2013
The Parke Family and some 'off porchers' ;)
March 5, 2013
Tracy Parke
March 5, 2013
Miss you ever so much.
J P
March 20, 2012
Miss you Daddy
BARB NAYLOR
March 20, 2012
Fr Parke was one known as the best of the best! I've never known a more honest, supportive, giving priest in my entire life, as that of Fr. Parke. I come from an Episcopalian bishop's family, and truly I can say, Fr. Parke was the most generous, supportive of all that I've ever known (along with my people of course whom I love in family).
You were great, Tom,,,and always ARE GREAT and LOVED EVER SO DEEPLY IN OUR SPIRITS AND HEARTS.
MAY YOUR SPIRIT SHINE, AND STAY WITH US EVER SO CLOSELY, AS YOU CARRY YOURSELF WITH US DAY TO DAY, HEART TO HEART, SOUL TO SOUL, LIFE TO BEYOND, FOREVER AS FOREVER AS CAN BE.
Brian Warfield
March 19, 2012
Deepest sympathy to JP and family on the death of your wonderful Dad from your Irish friends The Wolfetones we will remember him always Brian
March 19, 2012
Dear Jonathan and Emily:
I just heard about your father's death. My deepest condolances to you and your families.
The Rev. kathryn Otley (Canada)
Father Steven Scarcia
March 17, 2012
Dear Jonathan, Emily & family. I only now just found out of Father's death. He was a very special person, a lifelong friend and brother in Christ. He was a man who put his faith into action and tried living that faith to the best of his ability. He loved his family as well as his Church family and he loved the Diocese of Albany. Both the Diocese & Bethesda were blessed to have such a man of God in their midst. I will always remember his Godly counsel, his words of wisdom, his love of life and his sense of humor. Know you're in my prayers and love, always. Blessings, Father Steven Scarcia +
TERRY MCGLASHAN
March 14, 2012
DEAR JONATHAN AND EMILY,
MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES IN THE TREMENDOUS LOSS OF YOUR DAD. HE WAS A GREAT INSPIRATION TO ALL OF US.
MAY GOD GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH TO GET THROUGH THIS VERY SORROWFUL TIME IN YOUR LIVES.
SINCERELY,
TERRY MCGLASHAN
richard aichele
March 11, 2012
Father Tom --- +You always represented the highest values of church and every family's life realities. You successfully fought and won the battles that made life better for people of all faiths BUT also those of no particular organized religious beliefs. YOU HAVE DONE WELL. Thank you Richard OA in Saratoga Springs
Patti Fisher
March 11, 2012
Father Parke, I loved you like a father and I will really miss you. I came to you church as a lost child and you made me feel whole and worthy of respect, and love. I loved the way you sang prayers to the lord. You will be deeply missed and I'm sorry you won't be hear to renew my husband and my vows, but I'm glad you were there to baptist our daughter, with all my my love and respet to your family. lovingly Patti jo Fisher and family
March 10, 2012
I grew up at Bethesda Episcopal Church and served in the choir. I also attended many of the youth activities. Father Parke was wonderful; a great mentor for many of the young people who grew up in the turbulant times of the 60s and 70s especially. Years later he presided over the funeral of my Mom. He was understanding and inspirational to our family then too as well. The world has lost a wonderful minister and a wonderful person. Suzanne and Roy, Roy II, Scott and Christopher P.
Joe Elario
March 10, 2012
As wedding photographers my son JP & I were very fortunate to have covered many weddings in which Rev.Parks officiated , I truly enjoyed every instance .
Our condolances to all , a real gentleman . . rest . Joe Elario , Elario Photog Inc.
Tina Gibney(Lazarou)
March 9, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Father Parke watched me grow, sing in the choir, go to college, married me, and baptized all three of my children. It was a true blessing having him in my life.
March 9, 2012
Padre, you prayed with me over CJ in her sudden loss. My 40-year bond with you became even more enhanced as you held our family in tough faith. I'm sure CJ has greeted your beautiful spirit. Dave Cummings, Schuylerville
March 9, 2012
Tom Parke was a wonderful man and a great spiritual leader who will be missed in the Saratoga community. He was a warm friend.
My prayers go to Emily, Dan and the children. Chris Evans (Syracuse NY)
Ann Sinnock
March 9, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with all three families concerned. Father Parke was a very strong part of my life and I loved him dearly. Bethesda has lost a very special person. I regret I will not be at the service as I am away from home, but my heart and thoughts will be with you all on Saturday.
Richard Valentine
March 9, 2012
I have known Father Parke for almost 20 years since our arrival in Saratoga from England. He welcomed us into the fold and shortly after that I became a tenor in the choir. We sang together many times (not forgetting his beloved Herbert Howells) and I enjoyed so very much his officiating at the major services every year, in particular the mid-night mass. He will be sorely missed and I for one can say that I have been very touched by his ministry and his friendship. My sincere condolences go to his wife Alison and his family.
Brenda
March 9, 2012
Father Parke has played a huge role in my life. He baptized my 3 children and 4 of my 5 grandchildren, married my daughter, buried my grandmother, brother, uncle and husband. He also helped shape our lives spiritually and has been a compassionate listener when I didn't know where else to turn. I will miss him dearly and remember him fondly. This is a great loss to Bethesda and to the community as a whole. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family.
Neil Mansbridge
March 9, 2012
Emily, Dan and family, I was so sorry to hear of your fathers death. I have many fond memories of sitting with him sharing a drink back in the day at Moriartys, but truly had no idae until recently what an amazing man he truly was. Once again you are all in my thoughts during this difficult time, he will be most certainly missed.
Mary Eiffe
March 9, 2012
A generous soul and so full of love. It was evident in his every action and his heartfelt words. He has changed this world in so many amazing ways.
ann wait
March 9, 2012
And there were great parties in the Rectory - especially Christmas Eve. Fellowshop and sharing were part of the scene.
Tim Kitzrow
March 8, 2012
A WONDERFUL LIFE
Having lived in Chicago for 25 years I always looked forward to returning home to Saratoga to visit my family at Christmas. The highlight was Midnight mass and listening to Father Parkes' sermons. His style was passionate, and insightful, never grandiose, with an unparalleled wit and sense of humor. His delivery was personal with a conversational tone that made you feel as if he was engaged in an intimate conversation with you. He helped restore and explore my faith and made me feel closer to God just by being in his presence. When our parents passed he was there for them at the hospital and the nursing home. He brought them ,and all of us, great comfort. His memorial services and funeral services for both of them was personal, uplifting ,heartfelt and joyous. He has touched so many individuals and families throughout the years. His light , gentle, affable good nature ,will be greatly missed by all of us. My deepest sympathies go out to his wonderful wife Allison and daughter Kassandra and the rest of his family. - Tim Kitzrow
Hubert McCrossen
March 8, 2012
Father Parke has been and always will be near and dear or our hearts. Having served on the vestey for many years, father always reminded us that we were working for the honor and glory of the Lord. Our deepest sympathy to his family and Bethesda. He is now in the care of the Lord whom he served so well
The McCrossen Family
Fr. Joel MacCollam
March 8, 2012
Tom was my mentor when I served as Rector of St. Stephen's Schuylerville in the mid-1970s and also did premarital counseling to me and my soon-to-be-bride during that period. Even back then with my own youthful energies, I was stunned by how fast he thought, and how quickly he moved! My only regret now, years later, is only today discovering his link to Cuthbert Simpson, who was a genuine legend in Anglican education and an idol of mine. RIP, my priest brother.
Jo Anne and Zeb Robbins
March 8, 2012
My husband and I knew Fr. Parke when he was the assistant to Fr. Kirby at St. George's in the Schenectady Stockade. Our condolences to his family.
March 8, 2012
Father Parke,has been a great source of comfort and joy in our family.He has seen our family grow up in the 25 yrs we have been there,He has married them and baptized our gtandchildren and watched them grow up as well.We shall always be grateful for his love and guidence over all those years.Allison and family we send our deepest sympathy,we know how much you will miss him. Bob and Brenda Adie
March 8, 2012
There now exists an enormous void in the spiritual life of families who have worshiped at Bethesda with Father Parke for these last 40 plus years. We have come to know and respect his guidance, and extend to Allison and Father Parke's family our sincerest sympathy. We will be almost able to hear the bells of Bethesda ringing here in Florida, and are so sorry not to be there for the sevice. Pat and Bill Petel
Ed & Lin Murrphy
March 8, 2012
Father Parke added to the spiritual strength and hospitality of our community. Tom, We are grateful for your presence in our lives. Our prayers are with Allison and your extended family.
Cathy Boucher
March 8, 2012
Father Parke Married my husband and me, Christened my daughter. He was by my bedside when I was sick in the hospital and renewed my parents vows after 50 years. I loved him, he was a great man. He shall be truely missed, heaven has a new angel.
Cathy and Robert Boucher
March 8, 2012
Father Parke was a wonderful man of God, always cheerful and kind. I will always remember our few times at prayer shawl and phone conversations as a joy to my life. Only having known him since my involvement with prayer shawl, I loved him and will always remember him - Suzanne Bishop
Melissa Waltman
March 8, 2012
Father Parke was a spiritual beacon to all. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.
Gordon Boyd
March 7, 2012
Father Parke was a great singer, with a beautiful bass voice. He sensitively intoned the sentences of the Mass and often and happily joined the choir, slipping into the choir stalls in his altar vestments to help out with the Gradual anthem. I have many fond memories of standing next to him and singing the great composers of our musical tradition. Very happy moments for him and for us in the choir.
Kristan Gottmann
March 7, 2012
He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
karen brown
March 7, 2012
We will miss Father Parke. He touched so many of our lives.The Brown Family has surely been Blessed by his presence.
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