Ralph E. Parker II's Obituary
Ralph Eden Parker II of Rocky River, Ohio passed away at the age of 81 surrounded by family on Friday, August 5, 2022. Ralph was born on December 8, 1940 to parents Ralph and Mildred Parker in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College and earned a Master’s degree from Purdue University. Ralph was a dedicated educator and administrator in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District for 30 years. He was a devoted Orthodox Christian as well as a founder and Church Council President of St. Matthew the Evangelist Orthodox Church in North Royalton, Ohio. Together, Ralph and his wife Eleanore hosted Bible study for the church patrons for over 33 years. He held several notable roles and was involved in many organizations and clubs throughout his life including President of the Crawford Auto Museum, President of the Council on Human Relations, active member of the Rocky River Rotary Club, avid volunteer at St. Herman House and numerous nursing homes, fraternity brother of Phi Beta Kappa, and a 35 year member of the Cleveland Yachting Club. Ralph loved spending time with his family, traveling around the world, especially to Florida, and doting on the family’s pets. He was known for his love for animals, his quick wit, his playful humor, being a gracious host, and telling endless amounts of uproarious jokes and captivating stories. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Mildred Parker, and his beloved Cairn terrier Topher. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Eleanore (nee Fadil) Parker; his children Kelly (Gilbert) Hanna, Kerry (Bojan) Ivkovic, and Ralph (Maria) Parker; his grandchildren Amelia (Ben) Campbell, Alex Ivkovic, Adriana (Ian Ryan) Ivkovic, Alexi Hanna, and Papa to Shushen Lin; his step-grandchildren Nathan, Jessica, Jacob, and Miranda Wilder and step-great-grandchild Sakura Gutierrez; and his favorite family member, Palmer the Boston Terrier. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 8, 2022 at 9:30am with funeral services to follow at 11:00am at St. Matthew the Evangelist Orthodox Church at 10383 Albion Road, North Royalton, Ohio. Ralph will be privately laid to rest with family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph’s memory to St. Matthew the Evangelist Orthodox Church.
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