RICHARD "Richie" ALAN PARKER, Sr

Richard "Richie" Parker, Sr. of Holyoke, MA passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the age of 82.

Richard was born in Springfield, MA, and grew up in West Springfield, MA, then moved to Westfield, MA, before moving to Sarawood in Holyoke, MA.

Richard served in the United States Air Force and also traveled and played shortstop on their USAF baseball team. He loved baseball, who rooted for the Red Sox win or lose, as well as being an avid fan who rooted for all Boston Sports and NASCAR too.

He was predeceased by his wife, Jean.

Richard is survived by his son, Richard ‘Rick’ Parker, Jr. (Donna) of Vero Beach, FL, and his sister, Nancy (Hazen) McCue of Pittsfield, MA.  He is also survived by Tammy Clarke of Russell, MA (his ‘fave’ nurse); lovingly referred to as ‘Nurse Ratched’. She took very good care of him with great love for several years, and she became like a daughter to him. 

We are deeply grateful for Sarawood Assisted Living and Lisa, his LPN, and Kris, the lead aide, for tending to him; he is thankful for all his friends he made there; especially Parker their therapy dog. 

He will also be missed by his buddy, Bridget Allen as well as a host of friends and buddies at the City Hotel Café in Westfield and also Fern, who took him anywhere he had wanted to go. 

Richard was known for his kindness, sense of humor, telling jokes as well as his love for animals-especially Scooter, his cat and Bunny his dog-which was apparent to all who knew him. 

He requests that donations be made to the Dakin Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101

 Richard will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Family and friends will gather for a period of visitation on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12 NOON at Westfield – Avalon Funeral Home, 4 Princeton St, Westfield, MA 01085.  Followed by full military honors.  

To express condolences to the family, please visit Richard’s memorial page at www.westfieldfuneralhome.com

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