Paul Parks, Sr., at age 89, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2023, surrounded by family and love. Born to Walter and Bridget (Agnes) Parks on February 20, 1934, in Scranton, PA, he lived most of his childhood years on a small farm in Cohocton, NY with his sister Sharon (Dennis) Wood and other predeceased siblings. It was there that he enlisted in the United States Army and later married his wife of 66 years, Louise (Giacomi). After earning his bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College, he moved his family to Belmont, NY where Paul and Louise raised three children, Debra (Ed) Bott, Paul “Buzz” (Charla) Parks, Jr., and Patrick (Rebecca) Parks. He worked as a physical education teacher in Belmont while also attending St. Bonaventure University for his master’s degree in Guidance. He retired in 1990 from Bolivar Central School as a guidance counselor and returned as an interim school administrator in Filmore, NY. He was a member in the American Legion Post 808, taught drivers’ education, and coached, refereed, and umpired for many sports. After retirement, Paul and Louise became “snowbirds” and traveled to North Port, Florida for 17 years and later moved to Horseheads, NY.
As Paul’s family grew, so did his heart. His five grandchildren Nicole (Mark) Mahoney, Elizabeth (Seth) Wieland, Braden Parks, Mackenzie (Mark Perkins, fiancé) Parks, and Erica Parks along with his four great-granddaughters Ashlin, Eydie, and Onalee Mahoney, and Xenia Wieland and many pets brought him such joy. He would beam with excitement when his entire family gathered, even for a short time.
Paul was a devoted follower of God, loved his family more than anything, enjoyed tennis, riding his bike, playing euchre or hand-in-foot, and square dancing with the Wellsville Coup’s Troops. He loved family dinners, was an ice cream store aficionado and never passed up an opportunity to take a grandchild for a special treat. Many people commented on Paul’s thick and beautiful hair, a physical trait that he wore proudly. Paul was also the best lawn mowing man this side of the Mississippi and would make sure every shrub was always neatly trimmed. Even as he started slowing down, Paul was always puttering or tinkering, wanting to grab a tool or hold a flashlight to help.
Family and friends are invited to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (604 Park Place, Elmira, NY 14901) for a Mass of Christian Burial in honor of Paul Parks, Sr. on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 11am. He will be laid to rest at St. Pius New Cemetery in Cohocton, NY in a private family ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution or volunteer your service to a charity/organization of your choice as he would so generously volunteer his time for so many.
Condolences and words of comfort may be viewed at Paul’s Memorial Page at www.sullivansfuneralhome.com.
