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JOHN PARKER Obituary


John Theodore Parker  Vice Admiral United States Navy (Ret.)  
On June 25, 2021, at 89 years of age, after a long life of distinguished service to God and his beloved country. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, the former H. Anne Solomons; daughter, Leigh Anne Butterbrodt of Kenosha, WI; son, John Theodore Parker III and daughter-in-law, Carol-Ann of Leonardtown, MD; daughter, Emily Parker Slough and son-in-law, Stephen Slough of N. Springfield, VA; and three of his four grandchildren, Kathryn Parker Hutzel (Eric Hutzel), John Theodore Parker IV (Megan Dotson), and Sarah Slough. His sister, Ann "Rooney" Cappellari also survives her brother. A memorial service will be held August 2 at 2 p.m. at the US Naval Academy Chapel, with private inurnment at a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent to The Severn Leadership Group, a non-profit focused on developing leaders of character committed to serving others before self. Donate online at https://severnleadership.org/donate/ or 504 Tremont Circle, Annapolis, MD 21409.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jul. 18, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN PARKER

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Andrew Heister

June 4, 2025

So sad to have just heard of the Admiral's passing. I served as his driver during his time as Commander, Service Group Two. He would sometimes tease me about my driving skills, saying, "Well, I guess we escaped death once again!" I learned a lot about the Navy from him; as an enlisted man, I came to understand the importance of rank + responsibility. He was very intelligent, very professional and very calm (unless your driving skills were sometimes suspect!) RIP, Admiral! I will always feel blessed to have served you!

Jane Genet

January 25, 2022

Dear, dear Anne - I was so sorry to hear that Ted has passed. He was a wonderful person through all the years that we were friends.
In those later years, the memories of you both taking me to the movies, and nature exhibits, a la Bierstadt, at the Smithsonian ! Such fun!
All my best to you, and may God bless and keep you close.
Janie

George Counts, NAS Fort Lauderdale Museum

August 22, 2021

I Just heard about Ted's passing. This humble Christian warrior will be sorely missed by the Greenbrier Military School's Alumni Assn. as he led it through some trying times. When I looked through GMS's newspapers his name was always at the top of the physics & math honor rolls. His Dad, a mining superintendent, advised him he would have to go away to school to get the math classes he needed for engineering so GMS was chosen. I regret my interview with Anne & Ted didn't get published in our newsletter before his passing. I hope to do it soon.

Kevin W McIntire

August 17, 2021

Anne,

I'm so sorry to hear about John's passing!! John was so gracious to Dad and I when we visited in 1998 and it was such a great pleasure to spend time with you both. We will keep the Parker Family in our prayers knowing that God's Angels will be guiding you through this trying time! Kevin & Nancy

Sheila and Jerry Ferguson

August 1, 2021

Anne, John, Emily and the rest of Adm Ted's family, we were very saddened to hear the news. He was truly an extraordinary individual and a great Naval Officer! I learned much from him during my time as his EA at DNA! We are very sorry that circumstances are such these days that we can not travel to be there. All our love from San Diego!

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Cindy Guill

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W. Beaman Cummings Jr

July 26, 2021

I was so sorry to hear about Ted's passing. My Father worked for his father in Wheelwright, KY. Ted was a great role model and I was glad we got to work together on some Greenbrier Military School projects, He was like an older brother to me. I will miss him!!

Chuck & Janet Hollingsworth

July 24, 2021

What an absolute privilege to serve with Ted on the SLG Board. He was the consummate gentleman and extraordinary co-laborer. Many lives have been improved, and will continue to be changed, because of his dedication to others. The world was a better place because of Ted Parker, and now...heaven is as well.

Pam Hinds

July 24, 2021

Heard many great memories from Lily & Blake. I'm very sorry for your loss. God bless family, and friends.

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Bob and Tillie Kahle

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Fredrick L Stilwell

July 23, 2021

I had the distinct honor of working with then Captain Parker when he was VADM Train's (COMSIXTHFLT) Chief of Staff in 1977 on board USS Albany (CG-10) when I was assigned as the Naval Investigative Service (Now NCIS) Special Agent at the ship's home port of Gaeta, Italy. Both a fine Naval Officer and man.

Dan Pennington GMSAA

July 23, 2021

We offer our thoughts of loss and our condolences to your family and will keep you in our prayers. We of the Greenbrier Military School Alumni Association feel the loss of one of our own who exemplified the ideals of quality leadership in all he did. Know we will remember him at this and all reunions. Peace be with you Ted.

`Nita & Jack Parry

July 22, 2021

Sadly we´re just learning of this huge loss while we´re on a 3-month summer "cross-country" in our RV motorhome. What a shock for us and we know we are not alone. Ted was such a marvelous role model. Hugs to all.

Kathy Clark

July 21, 2021

My sincerest condolences on the loss of your wonderful father, father in law, and grandfather. I met him only one time and it was clear he possessed an excellent sense of humor and a very big heart. God bless.

Dan and Sara Lucas

July 20, 2021

Our hearts and thoughts are with you during this time. Please know that you are not alone in remembering a truly wonderful person that meant so much to so many. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Much love to you, dear Anne.

Benjamin M Gonzales

July 20, 2021

My heartfelt condolences to the family. I served with Admiral Parker on the USS Macdonough. He was a gentleman and a great inspiration to me.

Kent Gates

July 20, 2021

Ted & Anne were my MYF leaders and I have fond memories of them and the guidance they gave us that has lasted a lifetime. My sincere condolences.

John and Kathy Curtin

July 20, 2021

My Captain aboard the USS MacDonough. A very knowledgeable, confident and great leader. At our reunions if you said "hello Admiral" he would say "call me Ted". He treated everyone with respect. A very giving Christian man. A true role model for us all. Our thoughts and prayers to Anne and family. Much Love

Gayle and Catherine Dalferes

July 20, 2021

I served under Admiral Parker when aboard the Macdonough, lost touch with him as I left the service and he continued his sterling career, and my wife and I became good friends over the years after retirement for all of us. He was among the first to seek us out when we were caught in Hurricane Katrina, and we have never forgotten his and Anne's kindnesses. He will be missed by the thousands whose lives he touched and by the country he defended.

Alan& Linda Buchanan

July 20, 2021

We so enjoyed getting to know Ted and Anne, and appreciated our time together at the Macdonnough reunions. It was so special to be able to share our faith in Christ with them. Our condolences to the family .

Judith A. Hatton

July 20, 2021

May he rest in peace. It has been an honor and a pleasure to know your beautiful family. Being part of the Chapel Family has been a delightful experience for me.

Rick Tylla

July 20, 2021

A great honor to have served under his command on the "Mighty Mac". A wonderful leader and a great man.

Roger and Nancy Achelpohl

July 20, 2021

My first "Captain" on the USS MacDonough DLG-8.
He set the standard for all other captains I served under. Nancy and I send condolences to Anne and her family and have fond memories of our time together.

Larry & Donna Brown

July 20, 2021

What an honor to know and love Anne and Ted. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for all of the family.

Bill and Ellen-Jane Pairo

July 20, 2021

We send our sympathies to the entire family. There are so many details about Ted's life that we did not know. They only add to the picture of a wonderful, caring gentleman, husband, father, grandfather.

Pat Ruese

July 20, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember how kind Ted always was. I am grateful for the Piedmont times we shared and Ted's leadership. Peace.

Frank Titus

July 18, 2021

RIP Ted.

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Memorial service

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US Naval Academy Chapel

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