Richard George Park
“The Big Guy”
10/21/1923-9/8/2021
Passed away peacefully September 8, 2021 after a short illness. Predeceased by his sweetheart Doris Ann (Auer) Park, after 59 years of marriage and beloved son Thomas Henry Park, whom he sorely missed. Also, Parents Alexander and Charlotte Park, Brother Charles and sister Margaret and Niece Sue Sherwood. Survived by his eldest son Richard Alexander Park, who was his constant companion for the last decade of his life.
Also survived by nephews Chip Park and Dan Bowdey, Jim Acker and Dave Gross. Nieces Donna Vogler Clark, Bonnie Park Hahn, Heather Bowdey, Priscilla Bowdey Hendrickson and Joy Bowdey churchman. Along with numerous friends, family and wonderful caregivers. Special Thanks to Lori Tubilo, Michelle Richards and her Ultimate Grace Team, along with the fine staff at Highland Hospital.
Born on October 21, 1923, at Heberle Road, He attended Ridgewood Grammar school and Franklin High School. Dick served in the naval air corps as a combat pilot, in both WW II and Korea. James Michner was a war correspondent stationed on the Carrier USS Antietam during the Korean War, his novel Bridges at Toko-Ri was loosely based on the exploits of Dick’s Squadron. Between wars Richard was a member of the Naval Reserve and attended college on the GI Bill, graduating with honors from Denver University
He Began Wolcott-Park, Inc. in 1963 with Don Wolcott and after a lot of hard work and long line of great employees, saw it become a multi-million-dollar international distribution company.
An avid golfer “lefty” belonged to Ridgemont CC until his retirement in 1993, moving to Estero, Florida and joining Estero CC, where he continued to impress all with his putting prowess.
A memorial service with be held on October 2, 2021, at White Haven Memorial Park, Creation Chapel, 210 Marsh Road at 12;30 pm. Reception immediately following at Oak Hill CC, 145 Kilbourn Road.
In Lieu of Flowers please consider a donation to:
Honor Flight/Rochester
P.O. Box 23581
Rochester, N.Y. 14692
or
Patriot Guard Riders of N.Y.
Attn: treasurer
P.O. Box 637
Wappinger Falls, N.Y. 12590
May my condolences and prayer bring you and your family comfort
I offer you my thoughts, prayers and much strength during this difficult time.
Rest in peace Big guy
May he rest in heavenly peace with his loved ones. I thank him for his service to us. Something each and everyone of us should be grateful for this fabulous generation that made our country the best place to live. My deepest condolences to son Richard.
Will miss Big Guy, but have many fond memories. He was a great man and now he’s in a better place with the Lord.
My dear friend Rich, our families had a lifelong bond through our dads and their love of golf. Your dad and mom were both wonderful people They are in peace together in heaven. My hope is you find some peace and live your life
Dear cousin Rich, uncle Dick would play with us Bowdey cousins when he was a student at DU. We traveled to Rochester for his wedding while very young. We reveled in his business success and his love for his wife and two sons. We loved how he and his brother, uncle Chuck, would rib our mother, Margaret, with stories about growing up together and of the lessons the three of them learned from Gramps Alex Park and Grandma Charlotte. We have mourned with you and him in the loss of Tom, Gramps, his brother Chuck, and more recently Doris and his sister, our mom, Margaret. Now we rejoice in his homecoming with a perfect body in heaven, reunited with his loved ones while we simultaneously grieve with you at the void he leaves for you. We are here for you cousin; Parks united forever!
Dick was a force in life; a combat naval aviator, a brilliant business man, a fierce competitor, a demanding and passionate father and the other half of an electric couple. When one meets Dick, one remembers him always…he lived a full life. We are all proud of you🥂
Rich, our deepest condolences for your loss. Dick’s wit and sense of humor is a memory that will always stay with me. As a fellow veteran, his service to our country is especially appreciated. The annual Christmas Eve party at Uncle Chuck and Aunt Betty’s was always improved when afterwards, your mom and dad would stop on Strong St. to continue the holiday celebration into the wee hours. Rich, your dedication to your dad in his later years should be a model to anybody with aging parents.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the “Big Guy”
The “Senator”
Rich, you have my deepest sympathies. I’ll miss your stories of getting Dick his salmon and catsup! I hope to see you in Estero again.
Rich,
While it was many years ago, I have many fond memories of the numerous times your Dad and I would get some down time together and STS about our days as Naval aviators and other important topics of the day. I am sorry that in our retirement years we did not stay connected. Please know I care and share your sorrow.
Jeff McClelland
Billings, Montana
Rich you are in our thoughts and prayers,Carolyn and I truly enjoyed your father the dinners we had together are a great memory. You are a great son and friend to your farther you will be in our thoughts and prayers.