Earl R. Parker

Earl R. Parker, 88, of West Chazy, passed away Wednesday November 9, 2022 at his home. He was born in Plattsburgh, NY on June 30, 1934, the son of the late Pearlie A. Parker and Anna (Murphy) Parker.
Growing up, Earl loved family, the farm, hunting, and the outdoors. He graduated from Mount Assumption Institute in Plattsburgh where a lifelong love of baseball began.
Earl’s career began in construction, but his life path forever changed when his father died in 1961. Earl took over the family dairy and maple farm, buying it from his mother Anna. Earl expanded and diversified the operation developing the farm into a year-round maple operation, Parker Family Maple Farm.
In addition to expanding the family business, Earl worked to advance the maple industry through research and technology. He was a founding member and past president of the Northeastern New York Maple Producers Association, past president of the New York State Maple Association, and representative to the International Maple Syrup Institute. After the 1998 Ice Storm, Earl worked with state leadership to bring awareness and funding to the damaged New York maple industry.
Earl’s highest honor in the maple industry came in 2011 when he was inducted into the Maple Hall of Fame.
Earl’s greatest joys were family and farm. Whether he and Pat were hosting family gatherings, or he was working alongside his son Michael on the farm, deer hunting with his daughter Kristina, chatting with family and friends during maple season, or just driving around the block, Earl thrived with the support of the whole Parker family.
He is survived by his son Michael Parker and his wife Laura, his daughter Kristina Parker and her husband Michael Shambo, his step-sons Mark Brow and his wife Rachel, and Steven Brow and his wife Jody, all of West Chazy, his former wife Patricia Parker of Plattsburgh, and 4 grandchildren Joshua, Samantha, Keith, and Thomas. He is also survived by one sister, Anne Arnold of Plattsburgh, and two brothers, Charles (Loren) and wife Phyllis, and Allan and wife Rose, and one sister-in-law, Edith Parker, all of West Chazy. He was predeceased by one sister, Sr. Carolyn Parker, RSM, and one brother Clarence (Clary) Parker. He is further survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family is grateful to Earl’s caregivers Phyllis, Sherry, and Terra.
Calling hours will be held from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Sunday November 13, 2022 at Heald Funeral Home, 48 Court Street, Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated 11:0-0 AM Monday November 14, 2022 from St. Joseph’s Church in West Chazy. Burial will follow in the parish Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donation in Earl’s memory may be made to International Maple Museum Centre, P.O. Box 81, Croghan, NY 13327 or Hospice of the North Country.