Ralph R. Parker

Ralph R. Parker, 100 years of age, of Newington, CT died peacefully on Sunday, May 23, 2021 in Framingham MA. He was laid to rest yesterday alongside his cherished wife of 47 years, Ruth (Bartelt) Parker in a private interment service at Temple Sinai Memorial Park with Rabbi Jeffery Bennett officiating.
Ralph was the son of the late Bruno and Margarette (Stensch) Pakuscher; born and raised in the Charlottenburg District of Berlin, Germany. He was a firsthand witness to the rise and fall of Nazism and a survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp, as well as the Todesmärsche from which he was liberated by U.S. forces near Schwerin.
He is survived by his son, Ron Parker, Janice Merion, two grandchildren, Jessica and Graham Parker, a small, devoted extended family, and an equally attentive community of neighbors and friends that enriched his life with unwavering companionship.
Upon immigrating to the United States in 1949, Mr. Parker settled and continuously lived in the greater Hartford area. He found employment in the thriving machinist industry of the time and worked at companies such as Kell-Strom Tool and AMCAM Corporation until his retirement in 1987. Anchored by his meticulous nature and uncommon attention to detail, he developed a specialty in mold finishing. His talent was sought for many years after retirement.
Ralph’s passion for the Red Sox was only exceeded by his lifelong enthusiasm for playing bridge with several long-standing groups. Throughout his life, he generously devoted time and attention to share his Holocaust experience with anyone who asked. At times, it was done quietly in his home with a curious friend or a student researching a term paper. At others, it was by invitation to civic organizations or school classes and assemblies. He took humble pride in receiving a State of Connecticut Proclamation and Chesed Award from Voices of Hope for his candid accounts and historical perspectives
Memorial donations are requested to be made to the following in support of expanding virtual and in person community communications capabilities:
Temple Sinai of Newington 41 West Hartford Road Newington, CT 06111
Voices of Hope 20 Waterside Drive Suite 100 | Farmington, CT 06032

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford for their meticulous care of final arrangements.
For further information please visit the Tribute to Ralph posted on each of the family’s Facebook pages.

Memorial donations are requested to be made to the following in support of expanding virtual and in person community communications capabilities:

Temple Sinai of Newington 41 West Hartford Road Newington, CT 06111

Voices of Hope 20 Waterside Drive Suite 100 | Farmington, CT 06032