Gary William Parker

We are sad to announce the passing of Gary William Parker at the age of 75. He died peacefully in his home in Englewood, FL on October 25, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on November 1, 1947 in Hartford, CT to the late William and Ginny Parker. He graduated from University of Connecticut in 1969. Gary married his beloved wife Barbara on June 28, 1969. He joined the Coast Guard in 1970 and was stationed in Cape May, NJ for 4 years. Gary graduated from the University of Detroit Law School in 1977 and settled down in Detroit and then Harrison Township, MI on Lake St. Clair. He worked as an attorney in several practices and had his own practice for 12 years. In his spare time, he loved sailing and boating and took his family out on the lake with his ever-changing boats as often as he could.

In 2009 he retired to Englewood, FL where he continued to donate his legal expertise to Legal Aid of Manasota. In addition, he was active in the church, mentoring participants in Education for Ministry (EFM). He spent his summers at the family cabin on Beach Pond in Exeter, RI.

Gary is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara, his 2 daughters, Michelle Edwards (John), and Rebecca Parker. Gary will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Sadie and William Edwards. He is also survived by his brothers Jeff (JoAnne) and Ross (Sandra).

A celebration of life will be held on November 2, 2023 at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, 1935 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL. Visitation will be at 10:00am with a Celebration of Life at 11:00am by Rev. Judy Roberts of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Venice, FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Legal Aid of Manasota: https://legalaidofmanasota.org/donate/, or St. Mark’s Episcopal Church EFM: https://onrealm.org/stmarksvenice/-/form/give/default (in memo put EFM Scholarships).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lemonbayfh.com for the Parker family.