FATHER GEORGE H. PARKER
ETNA - Father George H. Parker, 78, died January 12, 2008 at a Bangor hospital. He was born July 28, 1929 in Boston, MA a son of George H. and Anna (Houlihan) Parker. He grew up in the Boston area and attended Miramar High School, which was located on the south shore of Boston. He graduated from Catholic University with a Bachelor’s degree. He then completed his Master’s program in Education and spent many years as a teacher of latin and history at Boston Latin School and Westwood High School.

Father Parker was very involved in the School Teacher’s Union, and was eventually elected as President of the union. In addition, he was very active in various political efforts on behalf of education. Having completed a full career of teaching, Father Parker retired in 1980 to begin studies for the Priesthood for the Diocese of Norwich, CT. He was ordained in May of 1983 and served in various parish assignments until 1996, at which time he began a new phase of ministry with deep involvement in Right to Life organizations.

He served with Human Life International in Front Royal, VA as the Chaplain. During this time, he traveled throughout the nation and the world representing Human Life International at many Respect for Life events. Additionally he assisted at St. John’s Parish in Front Royal, VA.

Father Parker was the recipient of many awards for his courageous ministry on behalf of innocent human life from conception to natural death. In 1999, he began a period of ministry with Population Research Institute in Front Royal, VA as the Chaplain. Also, during his many visits to Etna, ME, he concelebrated Mass with Fr. Lawrence Sabatino and Fr. C. James Martel at St. Agnes Parish in Pittsfield, ME. He retired to Etna, Maine in 2004 continuing to touch many lives in his retirement.

Fr. Parker spent his life encouraging others to live truth as a Teacher, a Catholic Priest, and a most courageous Apostle for Life.

Fr. Parker is survived by his sister, Mary and her husband, John Butland of Etna, ME; two nephews Robert Butland of Winter Haven, FL and William Butland of Newport, ME.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 P.M. Wednesday, January 16th at Crosby & Neal, 117 Main Street, Newport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 A.M. Thursday at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, Pittsfield with Rev. Fr. Joseph J. Deponai, Archdioce of New York, and Monsignor Michael Wrenn concelebrating with the church pastor, the Rev. Fr. James Robichaud. Burial will in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Bangor.

Those who wish may sign an online guestbook at CrosbyNeal.com