Obituary of Rodney E. Parker

CHESTERTOWN:  Rodney E. Parker, 81 years old of Chestertown, NY passed away on November 8, 2025 at his home.

Rodney was born on December 27, 1943, and spent his early childhood on a small farm along Glen Athol Road in the Town of Thurman. After three years, he moved with his mother and three brothers to their home in Athol. He attended and graduated from Warrensburg Central School before serving more than three years in the United States Navy as a helicopter mechanic. As part of his duties, he served as a crew member aboard, frequently flying off icebreakers, traveling twice to the Arctic and once to the Antarctic. During those cruises, he visited many countries and saw lots of ice.

After returning home, Rodney married and raised three children. He went on to serve 20 years with the New York State Police before retiring. He loved to tell people that he was retired longer than he was on the job.  At the time of his EOW he had been retired 38 yrs, 4 months and 8 days. Later, he remarried and welcomed more children into his life. Following his first retirement, Rodney became self-employed and enjoyed the freedom to pursue the work he loved.

Rodney is predeceased by his wife Mary Eileen Parker, his parents, Pauline Parker, Donald (Lena) Parker, and his brothers, Carson Parker, Allen (Vicki) Parker and Thomas Parker.

Left to remember Rodney are his children Terri Lynn Cummins and her partner Jerry LaRocque of Chestertown, NY, Jennifer (Jim) Scheffler of Florida, Jonathan Parker of Thurman, NY, Justin (Danielle) Parker of Athol, NY and Sally Jordan of Chestertown, NY; grandchildren Dylan Laurenson of Florida, Samantha Laurenson of Texas, Cody Parker of Tennessee, Nick Parker of Athol, NY, Meghan Williams of South Glens Falls, NY, Hunter Jordan of Chestertown, NY; great grandchildren Ben and Elizabeth Laurenson of Florida; brother Neil (Jackie) Parker of Waterford, NY; sister Donna (Gene) Combs of Warrensburg, NY and sister-in-law Sharon Parker of Lake George, NY.

Per Rodney’s wishes there aren’t any services scheduled. A celebration of life will be held in the future.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences and guest book.