HERKIMER-Richard J. Parker age 72 of Maple Grove Avenue passed away on Saturday evening May 14, 2011 in Saint Elizabeths Medical Center, Utica. He was born on March 20, 1939 in Lee, MA, son of the late Richard M. and Amelia Rotondo Parker. Richard was raised in Bath, NY and was a graduate of Haverling Central High School with the class of 1958. Upon completion of high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force served in Japan and was honorably discharged in 1965. Mr. Parker was first married to Beverly Hadlock Parker who passed away in 2001. For more than twenty five years he was employed as a truck salesman with Dons Ford in Utica. On January 29, 2000 he was united in marriage with the former Sharon Jones in Herkimer. Coming from Sauquoit he made his new home with his wife Sharon in Herkimer. In his leisure he was an avid NASCAR fan as well as attending Dirt Track Racing at Weedsport, Utica-Rome and Fonda. At home he enjoyed puttering around the house, cooking and spending time with his ever faithful canine companions Chunk and Chelsea. To all who knew him personally or through business dealings, they will always remember his warm smile and friendly handshake. He was a friend to many and will never be forgotten. Surviving are his loving wife of eleven years Sharon, two sons, Richard Parker and his wife Lisa of Whitesboro, Cory Jones of Frankfort, a daughter, Kimberlee Gaffney of Sauquoit, one brother , Jeffery Parker and his wife Marianela of Santiago, Chile, a sister, Margaret Ruetz of Williamson, an aunt, Margaret Estes of Herkimer, one uncle, Ralph Rotundo of Lee, MA, three cherished grandchildren, R. Michael Parker Jr. of Whitesboro, Meghan and Alyson Gaffney of Sauquoit, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents and first wife Beverly, he was preceded in death by two brothers, David and Thomas Parker and a grandson, Craig Parker in 1999. Funeral service will be on Wednesday at 11:00 am in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer. The Reverend Janet Gleason, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church Herkimer/Little Falls will officiate. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Tuesday from 4:00 until 7:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.