Passed peacefully into eternal life on Sunday, July 30, 2023. John was born in Bryn Mawr, PA in 1936 the son of the late John Siter Parke and Maria Toro Parke. John married the love of his life Judith Beeson Parke at the Villanova Chapel in 1960 and enjoyed a beautiful marriage for 63 years. This extended his love of family to include children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He attended Penn State University, graduated with a Civil Engineering degree and was a member of ATO Fraternity. He started his career at Alan Wood Steel Manufacturing and then worked for several design & manufacturing companies, eventually reaching Vice President at IU Conversion Systems.
John lived his whole life in Pennsylvania including St. Davids, Strafford, and Malvern. He was an active member of St. Norbert’s Church, in Paoli, and the strength of his faith was unwavering.
Left to cherish and carry on his legacy are his wife of 63 years, Judith “Judy” Parke. Children: John Luis Parke, Jr. (Lindsay), Timothy Allen Parke (Anne), and Daughter-in-Law, Susan Parke; Grandchildren: Jordan Parke Campbell (Patrick), Katherine Parke Carfagna (Michael), Jenna Parke Mitchell (Codie), Eleni Anne Parke, Anna Elizabeth Parke, and Granddaughter-in-Law Haley Parke. Great grandchildren: Jesse and Carter Campbell, Harper and Henley Mitchell, Brinton and John Beeson “JB” Parke; and his sister, Joan Parke Williams.
John was predeceased by his son, William Holt Parke, (1962-2021); and grandson, John Brinton Parke (1988-2021).
John received loving care from his CareEverywhere team and MainLine Health HomeCare and Hospice which the family is extremely grateful. The CareEverywhere team included Shannon, Darrel, George, Jerry, Jay and Richard. Special thanks to Alisa from MainLine Health HomeCare and Hospice.
John’s greatest joys and enjoyment came from spending time with his family on annual vacations and major holidays. He started an antique business with his wife, was an avid woodworker, and masterfully restored antique furniture. He created beautiful heirloom pieces of furniture, décor and toys for his family. He loved to garden and play tennis. He was a master of building huge sand creatures and sculptures on his family beach trips. Probably the most special memories of John are those of Christmas together at the family home where he would create a schedule of activities and menus for the big gatherings.
Family and faith were at the center of John’s life, he will be deeply missed and remembered for years.
A private celebration of life will occur at noon on Monday, August 7, 2023, at the Alleva Funeral Home, 1724 East Lancaster Avenue, Paoli, PA 19301.
To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/paoli-pa/john-parke-11389181#remembering
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial donations in John Parke’s name to Saint Norbert’s Church, 6 Greenlawn Rd, Paoli, PA 19301, or, Main Line Health HomeCare & Hospice with check payable to Homecare and Hospice Program of your choice and send to Development Department, Main Line Health, 240 N. Radnor Chester Road, Suite 340, Radnor, PA 19087 or online at https://www.mainlinehealth.org/specialties/homecare-hospice/ways-to-give/give-online-now
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AllevaFuneralHome.com for the Parke family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5