In Memory of

John

E.

"Red"

Parkinson

Obituary for John E. "Red" Parkinson

PETERSBURGH - John “Red” Parkinson, 89, of Petersburgh, NY, born November 27, 1928 was the last surviving member of Frozen Chosin Reservoir weapons company 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines and the first Marine division 1950-1952. “Red”, as he was affectionately called by his immediate family and family of veterans. Following a heroic battle with cancer, Red received his eternal honorable discharge on April 7th, 2018.
Red, beloved husband of 64 years to wife Ginny, and father of adult children Cindy Baker of North Creek, NY, Wendy Miller of Lake Worth, FL, Steven John Parkinson of Marlboro, NY and John Steven Parkinson who is currently serving in the United States Navy in Yokosuka, Japan. He leaves behind four grandchildren and four great grandchildren as well as his extended family of step sister Kathy Rueze of Florida, Donald and Raymond Halverson of West Chester, PA, and the Herodes family of Jefferson, NY.
A truly great person who was well loved and a friend to all he met, and known to the children and parents of the Berlin Central School District as a caring compassionate man. He drove for the district for ten years and retired at the young age of 80.
Red has received various acknowledgements throughout his life. Including being on the cover of the August 6th, 1951 issue of Newsweek Magazine, “Korea: The Road Back.” He was also featured in an article in 2014 of the Eastwick Press, inducted into the 2015 Veteran’s Hall of Fame by NY Senator Kathy Marchione, as well as multiple book signings for the fans of Devotion, in many locations, one being Petersburgh Public Library in Petersburgh, NY. He was most recently interviewed at the Samuel Stratton VA Medical Center in the dialysis unit in Albany, NY, as a local veteran hero by Benita Zahn of Channel 13 News.
The family wishes to thank the Samuel Stratton VA Medical Center and the Fisher House of Albany, NY.
In celebration of John “Red” Parkinson’s life, there will be a memorial service on Monday April 9th, 2018 at 6 pm at the Grafton Baptist Church in Grafton, NY.
To honor John E. “Red” Parkinson there will be a full military honor memorial service at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY on Wednesday April 11th, 2018 at 11:30 am.
Arrangements are by the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home in Petersburgh. Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.


Affiliations


Bronze Star

Korean Service Medal

US Marine Corps

Purple Heart Award from the U.S. Military

Silver Star Medal