Obituaries

Thomas Parker, 75, of Old Forge died Sunday afternoon under the Hospice care of the Community Medical Center, Scranton, formerly a resident in both the Taylor Nursing Home, Taylor, and the Gino Merli Veterans Center, Scranton. His wife of 54 years is Carol Williams Parker. Born July 10, 1932 in Lafferty, Ohio to the late Thomas and Cleo Redd Parker of Scranton, Thomas moved to Old Forge in 1973. After attending both Ben Franklin and St. Paul’s grade schools, he went on to graduate from the former Scranton Tech High School. He served in the US Army in Korea before being injured, garnering the Purple Heart Medal. Thomas worked as an adminstrative analysist for IBM in Scranton for over 29 years. He belonged to the 4th Degree Knights of St. Ann Council #280 of Scranton, the 3rd Degree of Old Forge, the American Legion of Old Forge, VFW of Old Forge, and the Paralized Veterans of America. He served many years as an usher at St. Peter’s Cathedral. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed quiz programs. Prior to becoming ill, Thomas loved traveling to both the Caribbean islands and Mexico with his wife.

He is survived by two sons, Thomas, Jr., at home, and and Kyle, Minooka section of Scranton; four daughters, Kim McGahee, Scranton, Dawn McGahee with husband Dexter, Scranton, Crystal, Larksville, Desiree Gerek with husband Alan, Scranton; nine grandchildren, Shannon McGahee Frazer with husband Donnie, Tara McGahee with husband Delante Chloe, Brian and Jarret McGahee, Brittany McGahee, Devon McGahee, Quincy and Corey Patrick, and MaKayla Parker; five great grandchildren, Aakkhir and Isiah Frazer, Mecca, Delante, and Kiam Chloe; and many more nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Mayne Austin and Margaret Crawford, an infant daughter Mary LaVern Parker, and grandson Terry LeRon McGahee.

He loved his family unconditionally and they were all by his side until the very end. He knew he was both loved and respected very much.

The funeral will be Wednesday at 9:00am from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, 517 N. Main Street, Old Forge, with a mass of Christian burial at 9:30am at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Wyoming Ave., Scranton, to be celebrated by the Most Rev Bishop James C. Timlin, D.D. The interment will be at the Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Viewing hours will be held at the funeral home 5-8pm on Tuesday.