Richard William Parks

New Middletown - Richard William Parks, 69, of New Middletown, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on February 18, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Dolores (Stacy) Parks, whom he married on Saint Patrick's Day in 1979.

Born July 24, 1954, in Youngstown, Ohio, he was a son of the late James and Stella (Richards) Parks.

A 1972 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School, Rick worked many years as a government contractor in communications for the Vienna Airbase until his retirement in 2015. He was not just dependable, but also a pillar of strength for his wife and family, and there for anyone who needed him. He was always observing his surroundings, and no matter the situation, good or bad, it wouldn’t be long until a smile crossed Rick's face. Family time was cherished greatly in Rick's life. In his younger years, he spent a lot of time at Mosquito Lake teaching his children how to fish. Rick was always full of lessons and stories to teach and enjoyed a good intelligent conversation. He loved discovering new places to go with his wife, Dolores, and travel adventures, especially east of the Mississippi, were treasured by him, whether day-trips to wineries with his wife or week-long beach getaways with the whole family. In his spare time, Rick enjoyed going shooting and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. Often, you could find Rick with a book in his hand. He was not picky about what genre he read, as long as there was a good story written on the pages. Above all, Rick loved spending time with his family and being a Grandpa to his grandchildren. Anyone who met him knew instantly how proud he was of all of them.

In addition to his loving wife, Rick leaves behind his only daughter, Diane Ellen, of New Middletown, Ohio; two sons, William (Michele) Parks of Salem, Ohio, and Bradley (Jennifer) Parks of Norton, Ohio; grandson, Connor James; four granddaughters, Julianna Elizabeth, Kadence Olivia, Hannah Nicole, and Ashlyn Brielle; as well as Jenna Justine & Jill who he was fondly known as Papa Rick. He also leaves a sister, Marjery Hanisko of Campbell ; and sister-in-law, Linda Parks of Estero, Florida; as well as many other family members who were very dear to him.

In addition to his parents and in-laws, Edward and Marjorie Stacy, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Parks, and brothers-in-law David G. Hanisko and Blaine Shearer.

Calling hours will be held at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main Street, Poland, on Friday, February 23rd from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Petersburg Cemetery.

The family requests that material tributes take the form of contributions to Akron Children's Hospital Akron Campus, 214 E. Bowery Street, Akron, OH 44308, in memory of Richard.

 Arrangements are entrusted to Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland. 

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com