Charles (Charley) R. Parker 74 of Pittsford died unexpectedly in the line of duty on a fire call Monday July 8, 2024, at the Chittenden Volunteer Fire Station.
He was born on Dec. 17, 1949, in Rutland, the son of Fredrick G.Parker and Mary (Harmon) Parker. He grew up on the family dairy farm and continued working it into his late 30s, while working part time at the Wooden Barrel Country Store. He worked for Vermont Tubbs in Brandon until their closing then moved on to the State of Transportation in Mendon before retiring in 2014.
He graduated from Otter Valley Union High School in 1968.
Charley Parker enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, making his own maple syrup with his grandkids and Melissa’s daycare children, watching his grandson Nolan play baseball and volunteering on the Chittenden Fire Dept.
You could faithfully find him every morning at the Wooden Barrel Country store enjoying a cup of coffee with his friends. Parker loved people, always quick to offer a smile, wave, friendly conversation, or helping hand. He helped and never asked for anything in return. He enjoyed his family and loved the big Parker gatherings with his siblings and all of his cousins that he grew up with. He was a giver and gave his all to all that came in contact with him.
Above anything, he loved the Chittenden Vounteer Fire Dept. They were an extension of his family for over 40 years. He rarely missed a call and was usually the first one at the station. While on the department he played softball and participated in the Muster Water wars. He felt at home with the Chittenden Dept. and took watching over the town seriously. At times that meant he wouldn’t go out of town on trips or day outings because he didn’t want to miss a call.
Survivors include his daughters, Janice Parker of Rutland, Melissa Parker of Pittsford and Johanna Litchfield of Rochester. A brother, William Parker and his wife Martha of Pittsford, a sister Betty Landon of Beaufort, South Carolina. He has five grandchildren and four great grandchildren, many beloved nieces and nephews and wonderful cousins and his brothers and sisters past and present of the Chittenden Fire Dept. and first response. He was predeceased by his parents and a great grandson.
Friends and family gathered on Monday, July 15 from 4-6 p.m. at the Rutland Recreation Center (former St. Joseph College) in Rutland. A burial and celebration of life will be scheduled at a later time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chittenden Volunteer Fire Dept., 266 Chittenden Road, Chittenden VT 05737.
