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DiggTrinity's 15th Rector, Dr. Robert Parks, Dies
<i>Visit the <a href="#Comments">comments section</a> to share your memories of Dr. Parks.
The Parks family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Parks' honor may be given to Jacksonville Episcopal High School, which is currently developing the Robert R. and Nancy B. Parks Academic Building.</i>
A priest who built residential towers for the elderly and schools for the young in two American cities, the Rev. Dr. Robert Ray Parks died Sunday just before the 10 am service at All Saints’ Church in New York City. He was 91 years old.
His family and friends, former parishioners, and a large number of ordained men and women whom he encouraged to enter the ministry, are remembering him as a humble man who both helmed one of the world’s wealthiest parishes in Trinity Wall Street, and as a plain-spoken evangelical priest with a deep concern for the problems facing urban American communities.
Prior to his tenure at Trinity Church, where he was 15th rector of the parish, Dr. Parks was Dean of St. John's Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida. He revived the cathedral as a house of worship, co-founded the Episcopal High School of Jacksonville, and established the Cathedral Health and Rehabilitation Center, at the time the only rehabilitation hospital in Northern Florida.
In New York, among his many accomplishments was the construction of St. Margaret’s House, a 22-story, 250-unit residence for the elderly and disabled on Pearl and Fulton Streets in Lower Manhattan.
Dr. Parks was called as Trinity’s rector with a mandate to implement changes in the corporate structure of the parish. He started many of the programs and ministries the parish is known for today.
At the outset of his tenure in 1972, Trinity was still known as the “mother church” of Episcopal New York – when it had seen a need over the centuries, the church had built a chapel. Dr. Parks would put into effect the results of a parish analysis that called for self-governance by the congregations of Trinity Church and its chapels, then numbering five.
In 1976, Trinity’s chapels of St. Luke’s, St. Augustine’s, and Intercession were set free by Trinity. Trinity Church, St. Paul’s Chapel, and St. Cornelius on Governors Island remain the only houses of worship operated by Trinity Wall Street.
With the chapels on their own, Dr. Parks turned his eye toward program and ministry. His interest in a ministry to the elderly, which had been expressed in Jacksonville, was put into action at Trinity with the construction in 1982 of St. Margaret’s House.
Built with a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development loan, St. Margaret’s represented a significant step forward in the development of quality subsidized housing for America’s aging. It is focused around the concept of “congregate” communal residency and today is widely seen as a model for other organizations.
Dr. Parks was also instrumental in the further development of Trinity’s uptown cemetery at 155th Street and Broadway, the resting place of John J. Audubon and Clement Clark Moore, among others. Under Dr. Parks’, the cemetery added a mausoleum, and It continues as the only active burial site on Manhattan Island today.
In 1980, Dr. Parks opened a new parish hall and enhanced the parish’s communications capacity with the installation of a television studio. Furthering his interest in the church providing educational opportunities for the community at large, the Trinity Preschool and Nursery was opened and continues to serve children and families in Lower Manhattan. Dr. Parks’ leadership also established the Trinity Grants Program, a multi-million dollar philanthropy that works in New York City and worldwide to improve the quality of people’s lives.
To these ministry mainstays he added an architectural grace note -- the pedestrian bridge that connects Trinity Church to its administrative offices across the street on Trinity Place, an elegant and useful reminder of what many call Dr. Parks’ unique gift to bring vision into reality.
Dr. Parks was born in Ty Ty, Georgia, in 1918 and grew up in a devout Methodist family that made a practice of tithing – a long-running theme of his ministry – and prayed before every meal. The decision to enter the ordained ministry came during a period of convalescence. Dr. Parks, a Navy pilot during World War II, crash-landed his plane near Lake City, Florida, and suffered serious spine injuries. As The New York Times reported after his Trinity installation, doctors gave up hope of full recovery, and Parks turned to prayer and was healed. He told the reporter, “It was about as direct a personal religious experience as a person can have.”
Dr. Parks would turn that personal experience into a ministry that was very public and excluded no one. In a later, 2006 interview, he spoke of a priest’s essential ability to be able to talk to anyone across the social spectrum, from those who command little of society’s respect, to figures of power and wealth.
When Dr. Parks received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from the University of the South in 1970, the citation commended him for “communicating his vision of total ministry to his community that related the Christian faith to every phase of public and private life.”
In retirement, Dr. Parks and his wife, Nancy, attended All Saints’ Episcopal Church for more than two decades. “He was very supportive,” said the Rev. Steven Yagerman, All Saints’ Rector. “At annual meetings he might stand up to say a few words. With the depth of his experience and conviction, when he spoke, people listened.”
On the Sunday of his death, Dr. Parks and his wife had walked to church, despite the rain, where he died peacefully as he began to pray.
Comments
"Uncle Bob" was truly one of the kindest people I've ever known...and he had such a positive influence on so many people in my life; I can't imagine how many he's touched over the last nine decades.
Chris Cowperthwaite on October 18, 2009
So sorry to hear it. What a shock. Blessings and comfort to the family.
Barbara Crafton on October 19, 2009
I guess it is selfish to want the people who have made a significant impact on your life to live if not forever then until you are gone. I am beyond sad. Thank you Lord for the gift of Robert Ray Parks. We love you Nancy
Toni Foy on October 19, 2009
Deep Peace to sweet Uncle Bob, certainly one of the most extraordinary men I have known. His generous heart and commitment to serving others will live on through all the good work he accomplished and the light and love he spread during his lifetime. As Dan Callaway said last night, he gave us our childhood in New York. He's the one who made growing up in Manhattan possible for us clergy kids. We were all blessed to have him as our priest and our dear friend. Much love to Aunt Nancy and the boys.
Sarah Cowperthwaite on October 19, 2009
My prayers are with Nancy and the whole Trinity family. I truly loved my time at Trinity under Dr. Parks' tenure. What a blessing it was to have know such a genuinely warm and honest human being. Say hello to Larry for us Dr. Parks. We love you.
Linda S Coleman on October 19, 2009
My sincere condolence to Nancy, Ben, John and the Trinity family. My memories of Dr Park's is of a man of integrity, compassion, love, caring for all humanity. His outreach to the poor in New York city and the entire world, was beyond reproach. May his soul rest in peace. Love, Evelyn Moss
Evelyn M Moss on October 19, 2009
Dr. Parks had a great positive influence on my life as a teenager at St Paul's By The Sea Episcopal Church in Jacksonville Beach, FL. I have often thought of him and Nancy over the years. My prayers are with him and with Nancy, Ben and John.
Tony Veal, Albuquerque, NM on October 19, 2009
Another candle has been extinguished. For its light shone before the world and its rays gave great hope and reflection to all mankind. Dr. Parks left an impression on every one he touched, including my family and lived his life as a shining example to all. Grant to him eternal rest O Lord. Condolences to the Parks family - Nancy, Ben and John you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Wendy Boyce
Wendy Boyce on October 19, 2009
Dr. Bob Parks and Nancy were close friends of my parents Ed and Dot Veal, during his years in Florida both at St. Pauls by the Sea and at the Cathedral in Jacksonville. I remember him well and wish the very best for Nancy and his family. He was a very special man and a wonderful influence on all who came in contact with him.
Michael Veal on October 19, 2009
As a young married couple just beginning our family, Father Bob &Mrs.Park/ and indeed Trinity Parish became dear to Barbara, me and our kids (Stephanie&Sean). They were a wonderful couple&family. His team (of Vicar and curates) were exemplars of wholesome familial life. All of us found that most attractive, and it greatly enabled us to build&increase the Congregation. Their "steadfast love," affection and pastoral leadership to our Parish family continues to inform and inspire us, bringing to mind years of warm friendship and memories. Thanks be to God they came our way
Barbara&William "Bill" Littles on October 19, 2009
I will miss you Bob. Thank you for being the grandfather I never had. I will never forget all of the lessons you taught me. Love You!
Sebastian Oddo on October 19, 2009
We'll miss you Uncle Bob. But heaven could no longer wait for your presence. God Bless you and Aunt Nancy, Ben, John, and all your family and friends across the globe. You will be missed deeply.
Chris McGee on October 19, 2009
In death as in life, Dr Parks serves as a model of the Christian faith. His ministry continues to touch all aspects of our life at Trinity Church, and he will be sorely missed. May God continue to bless Nancy and the entire Parks family.
Emory & Janet Edwards on October 19, 2009
My thoughts and prayers for Nancy, the boys, and grandsons. My fond memories are of Fr. Bob from 1955 to 1960 at St. Paul's By the Sea in Jacksonville Beach, Fl. He taught our confirmation class and I learned so much from him about faith and love. He always came to YPSL with us, learned our dances, and showed us how to have fun with God as the center of our lives. His passing will leave a huge hole in the world.
E.J. MacDonell Taylor on October 20, 2009
Even from New York City, Dean Parks and Miss Nancy continued to support their much loved Diocese of Florida, sending John and Ben to Camp Weed. Although years and distance have separated us, please know that you, Miss Nancy, Ben and your family, and John and your family remain in our prayers. My Alma Mater (Sewanee) recognized what many knew when awarding Dr. Parks his Honorary Degree. Well done, thy good and faithful servant and Ecce Quam Bonum!
Pam Jordan Anderson on October 20, 2009
I got to know Bob in his retirement years and was struck at how full, rich, and joyful a life he lead. Always humble about his past, he was a model in how to age with grace and peace. My fondest memories are of being with him and Nancy discussing events of the day at their kitchen table.
Marie Carpentier on October 20, 2009
To know and love Dean Parks and Nancy was and is one of the highlights of my life. He was truly a man of God, who knew and loved God, and who followed God. My family and I were blessed to be communicants at St. John's Cathedral when Dr. Parks was Dean.He was a visionary and was blessed to convince everyone to buy into that vision. Under his leadership, it is well chronicled, Residences for the elderly were constructed; Episcopal High School was built and opened; East Side Medical Center opened to the poor; Cathedral Foundation opened providing services to the elderly such as Ad Litem Protection Guardianship Services. At the same time, due to the flourish of activity , many folks transferred into the Cathedral dropping the average of the parish parishoner into the mid 30's from where it had been. St. John's was really a hotbed of Christian activity because of his God driven vision. Bob and Nancy were our Priest and our good friend. To Bob and to Nancy I would say, paraphrasing St. Paul; You have fought the good fight; you have won the race; you have kept the faith. May you now, dear Bob rest in peace. and your dwelling place be in the Paradise of God. God ove you, Nancy; you and Ben and John and their families. Thank you for the priviledge of knowing you all. Jack
Jadk and Sally Higgins on October 20, 2009
I knew Dr. Parks as a social friend - he was Bob to me. His warmth, his humanity, his love, his radiation of caring shown through magnificently. I shall miss my friend, I shall miss his caring and his wise counsel - I shall miss my wonderful friend! My love to Nancy and the family. Gary
Gary Press on October 20, 2009
Dear Nancy, Ben, and John, The Corey Family has been blessed to know and love the Parks Family for almost 50 years. We cherish our memories and the joy we all have shared. Dean Parks was a powerful influence on our spiritual lives. May our gracious God hold you in His loving arms and grant you courage and strength to deal with your loss. And may our beloved Dean rest in peace. Love in Christ, Tom, Lorraine, Susan, Angela, Tommy, Cathy and Marlo
Susan Corey on October 20, 2009
I have many fond memories of "Father Bob" when I was a teenager and acolyte at St. Paul's By the Sea in Jacksonville Beach. My thoughts and prayers to Nancy and the family.
Doug Bradshaw on October 20, 2009
Those more eloquent than I can witness to the many good and great works of the man that will always be Dean Parks to my family. When I think of Dean Parks, I will always think of him giving a special Easter Sermon standing in the nave of St. John's Cathedral explaining the connection between an Easter Egg and the Resurrection! John and Ben, i hope you agree that growing up at St Johns was, and is, special because of the legacy of your father. Donna Lu Walker Bell Episcopal High School Class of 1976
Donna Lu Walker Bell on October 20, 2009
I attended classes which were held by Dr. Parks on Sunday mornings for candidates who were being prepared to be admitted into the Trinity/St. Paul's family. Dr. Parks did such an excellent job, I always made sure I was never absent. All who have been privy to his teachings have been truly blessed. My sincere condolences to the Parks Family and I wish you all God's richest blessings
Ruth Lovelock on October 21, 2009
What a full and amazing life! I will never forget his profound wisdom, sparkling sense of humor, kind smile and that great compassion that moved him to start St. MArgaret's House in NYC, hospital in Jacksonville and many other projects which made difference in so many lives. Dr. Parks is one of those saintly persons who are and will be present in our lives even when they are absent from the body yet present with the Lord. Nancy, our prayers and condolences to you and all your family.
Alexei Khamin on October 21, 2009
Rest in Peace Bob. You will be greatly missed.My thoughts and prayers to Nancy,John and Ben
Laura Oddo on October 21, 2009
Our fledging work was given support through the Grants Program and a space to grow at Trinity Church under Dr. Parks' leadership. We remember him today with deep gratitude.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, SpiritualityandPrac on October 21, 2009
" A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song" As you celebrate this wonderful, loving and beautiful life of Dr. Parks, please know that you all are ever so present in my thoughts and daily prayers for yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Letia MItchell on October 21, 2009
Dr. Parks was a true visionary who could transform ideas into reality. He pushed those of us on his staff to do more than we thought we might be able to do, learning how to become practical missionaries who would accomplish, as much as articulate, great things. Clear eyed, direct, and deeply a man of faith. It was a learning of my life to work with and for him. And blessings for Nancy and Ben and John.... Bob was a blessing to us all.
Leonard Freeman on October 21, 2009
Dr. Parks' vision and insight have left a legacy that continues to uplift many groups of people, especially the elderly and homeless. He led the process for reaffirmation/reception, etc., that I attended before becoming a member of the Trinity family. His teachings grounded my faith in a set of values and beliefs that will strengthen me forever. My deep condolences to the Parks family.
Verna Barnett on October 21, 2009
I'll never forget walking over to Coffee Hour after the 11am service one Sunday with Dr. Parks. As we stepped onto the back porch adjacent to the bridge, he summed up our conversation: "You know, Jim, it's not the elephants that kill you, it's the ants." 25+ years later as a priest I can say that truer words have seldom been spoken! Dr. Parks was a genuinely kind priest who loved the "parish family" and held a special place in his heart for you if you were a Trinit/y parishioner or employee. I'm sure God must have a special place in his heart for him.
James McReynolds on October 21, 2009
MR. PARKS IT WAS A BLESSING HAVING THE HONOR IN MEETING YOU IN MY LIFE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR POSITIVE WAYS. GOD BLESS YOU SIR. YOU WILL BE MISSED IN MY HEART.
vincent salmeri on October 21, 2009
From Haiti, dear Nancy, so many good memories and gratitiude for his life. With love, Jackie
Jacquelyn (Mrs. Pierce) Williams on October 21, 2009
When our young rector, Father Bob Parks, brought Nancy to St. Paul's by the Sea in Jacksonville Beach and introduced her as the lady he was going to marry, we were an excited bunch of kids! They were everything we hoped to become. We loved them and their sons as we all grew up together even though geography could sometimes be a challenge to relationships shared over more than fifty years. Bob Parks was one of God's truly exceptional men whose combination of heart, mind, energy and depth provided a blessed spiritual force in our lives. He was the best and truest friend my Papa ever had. For that gift and for all the others that Nancy, Bob, Ben and John and their families have poured on us, I am eternally grateful. Oh, how he will be missed.
Suzanne McCormick Taylor on October 21, 2009
When, in 1979, I relocated from Bat Cave, North Carolina (where I served as Rector of the Church of the Transfiguration) to New York City (to accept Dr. Park's invitation to join the staff at Trinity Church on Wall Street) life was irrevocably changed. Bob's strong faith and the inspiration of his example, constant reference points for me for over thrity years, will always be among life's greatest gifts. So many of us share this loss. Bob Parks touched countless through his honest and unadorned ability to express the truth as he saw it. A realist, he was also an optimist - and he saw the world and other people for what it, and they, could become. We were challenged by his love, his unwavering commitment, constant conviction, his visionary leadership, and his sure and certain hope. After being included in the Park's extended family, embraced by his and Nancy's joy and affection, life was never quite the same. While it is impossible for me to come from Jakarta to New York to join in giving thanks for Bob's astonishing life, we are close in thoughts and prayers. May he rest in Peace and may Light Perpetual shine upon him.
John Palmer on October 21, 2009
I will greatly miss Dr. Parks' humor and wisdom. He is a gleaming inspiration to us all of what a single human being can achieve, an exemplar of why we call his generation the "Greatest" generation. I will forever be inspired by his example to do the best that I can for this world in his memory. My thoughts, prayers, and condolences to Nancy and family.
Ronald S. Wei, MD. on October 21, 2009
Heavenly Father, who re-creates life in us each moment of each day, we pray that as we mourn our loss of your servant Bob and as we celebrate the life that he shared with us, you will send forth your healing touch into our lives to heal our fractured nature, so that we may go out into your creation and touch the lives of others. This we ask through our Savior, Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. We will miss you Uncle Bob.
Lamar Auman on October 22, 2009
Dr. Parks' son Ben's family are members of Calvary Church in Summit, NJ, where I now serve as parish administrator. Since Ben approved I'm sharing a few comments I posted in announcement to the parish: "It is with a sense of great sadness that we announce the death Sunday of the Rev. Dr. Robert Ray Parks......Dr. Parks is the father of Calvary vestryman, Robert Benjamin Parks, better known as Ben, and grandfather of Michael and Christopher. He served as rector of Trinity from 1972-1987 and basically transformed the mighty institution during his tenure, emancipating many of Trinity's chapels and seeding their independent status as parishes, such as St. Luke's in the Fields, St. Augustine's, and uptown's Church of the Intercession. He was also the former dean of St. John's Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida, and served on the boards of many, many organizations.......On a personal note, Dr. Parks was a former boss of mine when I served as an assistant verger at Trinity and St. Paul's Chapel at the end of his rectorship. I found him at all times likable and dignified, not the least because he always adopted a bemused yet tolerant attitude toward my peculiar sense of humor. He was especially missed around Trinity when he retired."
George Hayman on October 22, 2009
Uncle Bob was the last of his siblings and it was my blessing to call him Uncle Bob. My Daddy, told many stories about Uncle Bob that seemed to have been lost with time and passing of his siblings. I shared some of the stories I learned and cousins would say I did not know that. I guess the most memorable was the story my daddy told of how uncle Bob was called to the ministry after his spinal injury. Many family members had differing versions but now I find that my daddy told me the true story of uncle Bob's call to the ministry. His spinal injury was a call from God to uncle Bob, I need you. I only regret that I was unable to spend more time with this great man of GOD. Bless you Nancy, Ben and John he has not left us but gone to be with Will, Maude, Ruby Julian, Eddie, Jim, Ercell, Frances and the rest of his brothers and sisters and Mother and Pa Pa Parks. One day we will see him and all the other Parks and have a Grand Parks reunion and uncle Bob will say, "I knew you would be coming, God told me to be patient". Our loss is heavens gain.
Burl Ercell and Carolyn Parks on October 22, 2009
I first met Dr. Parks when I was a teen-ager and we have been friends ever since. He was a consumate priest and a wonderful mentor to all the clergy who worked with him. He was a loving pastor and exercised a healing ministry that was extraordinary. I personally saw him bring the healing power of God to the lives of many people including my own family members. I had the joy of work9ing with him for 16 years. I am just one of five clergy who served with Dr. Paarks who later became bishops in the Episcopal Church. Amazingly, all of the things that others have said about him are profoundly true. His vision changed the lives of countless people and his ability to inspire others was unlimited. Thank God for his wonderful life and ministry.
Bertram Nelson Herlong on October 22, 2009
Bob Parks became a parishioner at All Saints upon his retirement, when I was the curate. He had the humility to treat me like his priest, and the greatness to give good advice, well needed. Thank you Bob. God bless you Nancy and your family.
Steve Holton on October 22, 2009
Bob Parks became a parishioner at All Saints upon his retirement, when I was the curate. He had the humility to treat me like his priest, and the greatness to give good advice, well needed. Thank you Bob. God bless you Nancy and your family.
Steve Holton on October 22, 2009
I first met Dr. Parks when I was an acolyte at St. Johns Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida. As a teenager, it is difficult some times to appreciate the wisdom and words of advice that the adults around you pass on. What ever it was that he said to me, and there was much, had a profound influence on how I have lived my life. I am a better person for having known him and been guided by him and those he guided. I am thankful that Dr. Parks took the time to influence my life in the small way that he did. My prayers are with Nancy and her family.
R. Thornton Lurie on October 23, 2009
We did not know Dr. Parks personally but we have experienced his legacy as a man of Vision and a Passion for Mission. Thanks be to God for His life testimony. I extend my sincere condolences to the Parks Family and the Trinity Parish Family, as well. Prayers are offered for you.
The Rt. Rev. Julio E. Murray, Bishop of the Dioces on October 23, 2009
My heart and prayers go out to the immediate family and friends of such a wonderful inspiring husband/father and priest of the Trinity family. I am a parishoner of St. Margaret's Episcopal Church located in Hibernia, FL. To read all the wonderful works Dr. Parks created using his faith in God inspires me and gives me the motivation that my doing God's work, the benefits are unending. God Bless each and every one of you. The Lord be with you always.
Debbie S. on October 23, 2009
My condolence to Nancy and all the family. I transferred from St. Mary's Staten Island to Trinity July 4th, 1976 and didn't transfer to Christ Church Greenville until December, 1992 so I was at Trinity for the entire time that Dr. Parks was rector. We had something in common we both came from north Florida and we were both born in 1918. I loved Dr. Parks and Nancy. I was very saddened at the news of his death. I wish I could be at Trinity on Saturday to pay my respects to a wonderful Priest. God bless him and all the family.
Beverley Schauder on October 23, 2009
I knew him as "John's Father," and when I would see him I felt the presence of a "good" man. His extraordinary record and accomplishments are to be acknowledged; however, it is this "goodness" that I experienced each time I met him that stays in my being.
Cecilia M. Brancato on October 23, 2009
Although I was only six when Dr. Parks became Dean at St, John's in Jacksonville, he had an amazing spiritual and educational effect on my life He convinced my parents to send me to Episcopal High, even though he really tried to recruit my mother as a teacher. A few years later, he gave me an engraved Bible which I still cherish. Dr. Parks came back to Jax. to deliver our Baccalaureate, and a year later, Ben followed me to the University of Virginia. Dr. Parks had a tremendous sense of vision and the area surrounding St. John's became known as Cathedral Square several years back, because the outreach and physical buildings dominate that area of downtown. Everyone held Dr. Parks with the highest respect, but no one had such a profound influence on my mother's life during both good times and bad in our extended family. Thank you Nancy, Ben and John for sharing this true saint with all of us. God bless you all. Peace.
R.C. "Bobby" Walker on October 23, 2009
As newlyweds with two different religious affiliations, we felt it was important to share a common denomination and a church home and so we began attending church services at St. John’s Cathedral in Jacksonville. There we found a dynamic church which, under the leadership of Dean Parks, made a profound difference in the community by providing housing for its elderly and a high school for its youth. Who would have thought such a busy Dean would take the time to pay us a surprise visit at home to chat, answer questions, and warmly welcome us to St. John’s. Even though it has been nearly 40 years since that visit, we cherish the memory and remember Dean Parks as the priest who started us on our journey of faith and service. Thank you, Bob, for your ministry and for touching our lives. Our sincere condolences and prayers are with the Parks family. God bless you all.
Pat and Irene Bishop on October 23, 2009
Dr. Parks a priest like no other has gone on home-see you on other side.
Bishop Randall Mitchell on October 24, 2009
I knew Dr. Parks as an Episcopal High student in the 60's and as a family friend. I have always been so thankful for his vision and hard work for the school's beginning years - amazing man! So kind and gentle and funny, yet firm and direct.... I especially loved his storytelling; in particular the stories about the people and his work in the Diocese of Florida in the 50's and 60's. My thoughts and prayers are with you Nancy, and all your family.
Elizabeth Young Adams on October 24, 2009
There are no words to describe the loss of someone so dear to me and the entire Herlong family. "Uncle Bob" as I knew him, was my second father growing up. I remember sneaking into his office at the Cathedral in Jacksonville with John and eating several of the Hershey's kisses he always kept in a jar on his desk. When we moved to New York so Dad could continue to work with him at Trinity, he continued to be a positive influence on my life as a teenager. Aunt Nancy, Ben and John, please know that you are in our prayers. Uncle Bob will be missed by may people in many ways, but the good works he did while on earth will continue to bless those of us who knew and loved him.
Angela Herlong Bean on October 24, 2009
There are no words to describe the loss of someone so dear to me and the entire Herlong family. "Uncle Bob" as I knew him, was my second father growing up. I remember sneaking into his office at the Cathedral in Jacksonville with John and eating several of the Hershey's kisses he always kept in a jar on his desk. When we moved to New York so Dad could continue to work with him at Trinity, he continued to be a positive influence on my life as a teenager. Aunt Nancy, Ben and John, please know that you are in our prayers. Uncle Bob will be missed by may people in many ways, but the good works he did while on earth will continue to bless those of us who knew and loved him.
Angela Herlong Bean on October 24, 2009
"Mister Bob," as he was known to me at St Paul's, Quincy, was the priest who baptized me, with an elegant lady named Nancy Bostick as one of my godparents. As I got a bit older (3 or 4?) I'm told, I thought his name was "God Parks." As priest for the first 5 years of my life, he was the perfect one to set an example of what a priest should be. What a wonderful life he has lived. My condolences to Nancy, Ben and John and to all who love him.
Vicki Embry on October 24, 2009
It was through Dr. Parks' goodwill and leadership with backing of Fr. Bill Gray, then Trinity's Director of Communications, that Trinity Parish provided extraordinary considerations to Tri-State Media Ministry at its founding and throughout its three and a half decades of service in the New York broadcast market area. This generous spirit was a reflection of the values and faithfulness of Dr. Parks and TRIMM is eternally grateful. As the producer of "The Trinity Church Hour" on WQXR for many years I had periodic recording sessions with him in the Library. Frequently, this allowed time for personal conversation in which he shared wise counsel and friendship, His understated one-on-one style of speaking made him as effective as a radio communicator as he was in the pulpit. It is one of life's blessings to have known this great man of God. On behalf of TRIMM I extend condolences to his family and to Trinity's parishoners and offer prayers of thanksgiving..
Rev. Ben Gums on October 25, 2009
What fortune for me to have spent time with Bob! I continue to be inspired by his compassionate, yet focused values encouraging individual and community action and responsibility. Bob's optimism, strength, and discipline define a man whose mission was to foster success for all he met, for all who were at the table. His ability to blend a down-to-earth nature with gentile elegance is reknown! Bob, you will surely be missed. Much love to Nancy, Ben and John and the entire Parks extended family.
Johnny Zima on October 25, 2009
What fond memories I have as a very young boy of your family when you lived in Atlantic Beach. Later our "pilgirmages" to the Cathedral to see Father Bob and Nancy were always a treet because lunch at Morrisons cafeteria followed. Then 30 years later to greet you when you would visit Christ Church in the summer. I can not help but think that those early times at St. Pauls By The Sea gave me direction to the rest of my life! Nancy, I pray that the Peace of God which passes all understanding will give you, Ben and John comfort.
Christopher C. Rule on October 26, 2009
Bob Parks had such a profound effect on my life, both professionally and spiritually, and I feel blessed to have known and loved him. During my years as a young Trinity staffer, I often chided him -- "I have a father in Tennessee! but I'm glad to have two!" Last night, I greeted trick or treaters in Tarboro, NC wearing the bat bow tie that Nancy and I found near West Cornwall when we slipped away during a staff retreat to shop. I know that Bob would approve with that twinkle in his eye and a hearty chuckle.
Sarah Peveler on November 1, 2009
I was part of the youth group at Trinity in New York, that is when I first met Father Parks. His sons were also part of the group and I found a second, very comfortable home. I think I learned more about God, and myself in those years because of that program. Thank you so much for bringing me closer to God.
Nishan Parlakian on November 2, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and the family at this time of loss. Dr. Parks was instrumental in my our return to New York City, where Skip was born and grew up. We shared many happy moments on the staff of Trinity Church, and remember the rectror as a true soldier of Christ.
The Rev. Franklin "Skip" Vilas and Joyce Vilas on November 9, 2009
I feel fortunate to have been able to tell Dr. Parks before he died just how instrumental he was in helping me to find my ministry in the church. I worked in Trinity's Communications Office in the mid-80s, having just graduated from General Seminary. Although my contact with quite limited, he always remembered me and what my job was and he always stressed to me how important communications was to the church's mission--and how valued my own contribution was. Not that his comments were all praise by any means! He demanded the very best from everyone and for every question he asked (which usually cut quickly to the chase) one had better have had a good and ready answer. He was a real inspiration. Tough minded but very caring too.
Bruce Parker on November 16, 2009
I worked for Trinity Church,74 Trinity Pl., for several years during the mid-1980's. During that time someone had told me that Dr. Parks knew the names of every employee at Trinity. I must admit I was skeptical. Then one day I met Dr. Parks as I was unlocking the back gate to attend Noon Eucharist. He smiled, warmly, greeted me, and called me by name. He was an incredible administrator, a devoted priest, he was our pastor. He is also one of the reasons I am a priest today.
The Reverend Helen O. Harper on December 15, 2009 on December 15, 2009
I first met Bob Parks when he was the rector at St Paul, Quincy in the earlier 50's. My sister had been married to one of the outstanding members of the Corry family there who was killed in France in 1945. I always, as someone 6 years younger than my sister, held Quincy in sort of a reverance and as very, very young vestryman at Grace Church, Ocala, went to Quincy after hearing of this spectacular young clergyman named Bob Parks. We, in Ocala, were searching for a rector and I went to St Pauls and introduced myself to Bob and told him of our real challenge in Ocala. I told him we would like for him to become our rector, he explained that since he had only been in Quincy for two years he could not entertain our offer. He did come down to visit and preached for us one Sunday and I told him we needed his help in locating someone. He introduced us to The Rev Vernon Quigley in Tallahassee who became our beloved rector for several years. Again, after "Quig" moved on,I called upon Bob, who was by then the Dean of St Johns. He introduced me to a young graduate of West Point and a distinquished Air Force pilot turned seminarian, Ben Benitez, who was a Canon on his staff at St Johns. Ben became our priest @ Ocala and from there went on to become Bishop of Texas and until their later years remained close friends with the Parks. I remember Nancy when she became Mrs Robert R Parks and while I have had no contact with them in later years in N.Y, I know what a soulmate she and Bob must've continued to be. She and all her family are in my prayers and I will always be so grateful for the wonderful life of Bob Parks and the fortunate people who were members of his flock.
Whit Palmer on January 11, 2010
I worked for Dr. Parks in Jacksonville and had the special privilige of many one on one conversations with him. He had a profound, positive impact on my life. There is no way to overstate his faith, compassion, wisdom or love for his family.
Robert C. Davidge on January 21, 2010
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