Edward Joseph Parker

Dr. Edward J (Ed) Parker of Dunnellon, FL died on May 31, 2022 at the age of 90. Ed was born in Norwood, MA on November 16, 1931 to Edward and Catherine Parker. Ed was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Janet A Parker, his sister, Catherine Gotovich, and his parents. He leaves two daughters, Jeanne (Tim) Brown of Cicero, NY and Susan (Bob) Hirsch of Tonawanda, NY; five grandchildren, Michael Brown of Cicero, NY, Rob (Elaina) Hirsch of Lutherville, MD, Melissa (Adam) Kane of East Greenwich, RI, Michael Hirsch of Cheektowaga, NY, and Janet (Mikey) Ray of Middle River, MD; and two great-grandchildren, Evan and Mercedes Hirsch of Lutherville, MD. Ed also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, many dear and special friends, and a companion. Ed served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict from 1951 - 1955. Following his honorable discharge he attended Albany State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education. Ed taught high school biology at Carmel Central School District and Berne-Knox Central School District. He continued his education at Syracuse University, earning a Masters degree in Biology. Ed moved to Oswego, NY in 1962, and was a professor of biology at Oswego State University. He taught at Oswego State from 1962 - 1972 and attended Cornell University between 1969 - 1972 to earn a doctorate degree in Radiation Biology. Ed moved to Morrisville, NY with his family in 1973 and taught zoology at Morrisville College. Ed was Associate Dean of the Graduate School at Cornell University from 1979 - 1980, then returned to teaching at Morrisville College until he retired in 1993. He then moved to Dunnellon with his wife. Ed enjoyed spending his summers at Popponesset Beach on Cape Cod, walking the beach and sailing. He also spent time visiting Maine and time in NY visiting his daughters. Ed loved everything New England, especially his favorite sports teams, the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. He loved the game of baseball and volunteered for years at the Ted Williams Baseball Museum in Citrus Springs. Ed enjoyed traveling, and particularly enjoyed his bucket list trips to the Grand Canyon and Alaska. Ed loved nature and hiking in the Adirondacks, boating, and being outdoors. He also proudly cheered on his alumnus Syracuse University teams. A gathering of friends will take place at Roberts Funeral Home Bruce Chapel West at 6241 SW State Road 200 in Ocala on Friday, June 10th from 6 - 8 PM. A funeral mass will take place on Saturday, June 11th at St. John the Baptist Church at 7525 Hwy 41 in Dunnellon at 8 AM. Burial will follow the funeral mass at 10 AM at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens at 5050 SW 20th St. in Ocala. Friends may leave condolences at (www.robertsfuneralhomes.com).

Edward Joseph Parker

November 16, 1931 - May 31, 2022