Edward F. "Ed" Parks Jr., 87 of Marshfield passed away suddenly on December 31, 2020.

Beloved husband of the late Virginia A. (Michelini) Parks and dear brother of Philip Parks of Whitman. Loving father of Linda Goldwait of Maynard, Michael Parks (Pam) of Dunnsville, VA, Carolyn Powell (Kevin) of Marshfield, Nancy Cobb of Bangor, ME and Lydia Connelly (Mark) of Marshfield and 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Ed was born in Brockton in 1933, son of the late Edward F. and Mary (Pratt) Parks, Sr.

Ed started his life in Whitman but because of his father's job as a regional manager of the First National stores moved to Hyannis Ma and then Portland Maine for several years. He always joked about what a culture shock it was going from a big elementary school to a two-room school heated only by a wood burning stove!  The family relocated back to Whitman where Ed graduated in 1951. He continued his education at Tufts University where he was a member of the Zeta Psi Fraternity and active in school government (class treasurer) and sports (cross country and track) graduating in 1955 with a Bachelor's in History; in 1956 on to graduate school at Boston College graduating in 1957 with a Master's in Education.

Ed made many lifelong friends in high school and college where he never missed the annual reunions. While in college Ed was to meet the love of his life and his wife of 64 years Virginia Ann Michelini of Marshfield. When he met her Ginny was the reigning queen of the annual Strawberry festival. They were married on January 28, 1956 and moved to Duxbury and then Green Harbor where they started their family

He worked at the Silver Lake H.S and Jr. High for 39 years as a History, Geography, Guidance Counselor, Athletic Director and coach of cross country and track and field. He was an officer in the teacher's association and a mentor for incoming teachers He was beloved by his students and in 1963 the students dedicated the Torch yearbook to him for his commitment as the athletic director, coach and his lively civic classes, "where he surprised the freshman into learning."  While he taught Ed also held down a part time job as a meat cutter for first National stores in addition to working as a summer staff member of DECA helping students find summer employment, getting them academically prepared and producing future leaders.

He was an avid and competitive runner and golfer and in the later years a walker, always trying to beat his best time or score. After retiring Ed kept busy with gardening and golfing with his friends. He loved history, becoming a member of the Genealogical Society and the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. He worked tirelessly for years on researching his family history and publishing the history of his mother's family.

He and Ginny loved to take short trips especially to Maine, one of their favorite states, where they enjoyed dining out and long walks. In later years Ed and Ginny would spend winters in Florida where he loved to eat out, sit in the sun and of course play golf.  Ed was also a communicant and Deacon if the first congregation church in Whitman. He enjoyed coffee and chitchat with his fellow church members. Ed adored his wife Ginny who predeceased him on November 26. Ed liked to meet his brother for every week for coffee klaches. Ed was a prolific story teller and at family events would always have someone's attention with a funny story.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church, 40 Canal Street, Marshfield. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Kingston. Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association of MA, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd, Waltham MA 02452.

Please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome to leave a message of condolence for the family.

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