Joseph Randolph Parker Jr., affectionally known as Randy, passed away suddenly on Tuesday morning, April 15. For over a decade he stubbornly beat the odds against COPD and continued to live and enjoy life until the very end.
Randy was born June 5, 1950, in New Bern, North Carolina to the late Joseph Randolph Parker Sr., and Alstena Brown Lamm (Calvetti), and was the stepson of the late Frank Calvetti. He is survived by his siblings Ida Kay Miller-Hanslow, his constant companion, of Illinois, Karen Macken and her husband Tom of Nebraska, Alston Parker of Missouri, Frank Calvetti of Colorado, Jimmy Calvetti and his wife Sue of Illinois, and four bonus siblings residing in Florida. He will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, and other family members that he cherished who live all around the country.
Although his southern roots run deep in New Bern, he spent much of his adolescence and early life in Farmer City, Illinois, graduating from Moore High School and attending college at the University of Illinois for Engineering. After college, Randy followed some friends, and maybe fate, out to the East Coast where he fell in love with both the small coastal community of Manomet, and his future wife, Mary Ellen Terry, in 1972. He began his life and family with her following their 1984 New Year’s Eve wedding. They were married 38 years until Mary Ellen’s passing in March 2023. Over the years he became exceptionally close to the Terry clan, and was a beloved brother in-law, uncle, and friend.
Randy leaves behind his three children, Ida Kay Parker and fiancée David Greenwood, Paul Benjamin Parker and wife Carly Parker (Johnson) and Abel Goddard Parker; along with four grandchildren, Wesley, Violet, George and Luna. Randy adored his children, loved being a father, but even more so loved being Grampy. He is remembered for working hard to provide for his family but still finding time to drive up to ‘Mount Trashmore,’ taking adventures in his Toyota Tacoma, or camping out at Ellis Haven. In addition, Randy’s love of the ocean was paramount. If he wasn’t working, or politicking he was likely out on his sailboat with his wife and his little dog, Elly. He will be loved, missed and remembered for the loving father and Grampy he was.
Other than a slight southern accent you would never know Randy was not a native Manometian. He was imbedded and highly dedicated to this community. For many years he was a beloved school bus driver, as many likely remember his good tunes and ability to remember all the kids’ names, even after many years. He became a registered professional land surveyor, spending several years at Associated before eventually founding Land Management Systems Inc. with his wife. In addition to having an integral business in Manomet, he was essential in serving on the Manomet Village Steering Committee and developing the Manomet Master Plan, which strived to include some of the much-loved infrastructure Manomet enjoys to this day. He was also a longtime Town Meeting member and served as chair of the Conservation Commission.
To say the least, Randy was a fixture in Manomet and Plymouth. Listing all his accolades, contributions, and love for this place he called home would require its own appendix. He was, and will, remain in the fabric of Manomet, his influence perpetual. He will be remembered and missed by many.
Visiting hours will be held are at the Cartmell-Davis Life Celebration Funeral Home at 619 State Road, Plymouth, on Tuesday April 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 23, at 11 a.m. at the 2nd Congregational Church of Plymouth. Burial will take place at the family plot in Manomet Cemetery. We are so grateful for all your prayers and well wishes.