Thomas Roger Parks 77 was called Home to be with his Heavenly Father on June 7, 2014, after a brief illness. He was the husband of Yvonne (Picchiarini) Parks for 55 years. Tom was born September 3, 1936 to the late Thomas Richard (TR) Parks and Louise R. Parks in Charleroi PA. Tom graduated from Charleroi high school in 1954, lettering in both Baseball & Football, and graduated Westminster College in June 1958.  He joined the United States Army in September 1958 and honorably discharged in 1961.

Tom and his wife Yvonne moved back to the Mon Valley to raise their growing family. Tom took a position teaching for Pittsburgh Public School, and dedicated his entire career teaching on the Northside, at Manchester elementary. Tom was a member of Lock 4 Volunteer Fire Department in North Charleroi and moved to North Belle Vernon, where he joined the North Belle Vernon Fire Department in 1966. Tom’s passion and career was teaching; the fire department was the perfect place for him to help teach others and carry on his family tradition as a firefighter and officer.  Tom was an avid athlete and sportsman who enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and motorcycling with his family and friends.

Tom retired after 30 years of teaching and moved to Merritt Island FL in 1994. The Island he called his own little piece of paradise. There he and his wife enjoyed many years of travel, making many great friends and truly enjoyed a blessed life. Tom was a devout Christian and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church on Fayette St. in Belle Vernon. He also loved very much his church family at East Coast Christian Center in Merritt Island; he had a strong faith in his lord and savior Jesus Christ, he was an example that along with faith; grit and perseverance will overcome most any obstacle or illness that life throws in your path.  He was very active in his community, Island Lakes, and work on bettering his golf game, with a little harassment from his friends. Tom loved the many flowers and plants that he could grow year round at his Florida home. He was a huge fan of Pittsburgh sports teams and that rubbed off on all of his family. Tom was proceeded in death by his beloved brother Jack R. Parks who died at age 19, He is survived by his wife Yvonne, and three sons; Tom Parks and wife Sue of Plantation FL, Jeff Parks and wife Natalie of Hanover PA, Tim Parks and wife Christie of Richmond VA: and three grandchildren Christy Parks, Thomas (Rocky) Parks and Rachel Parks.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday June 14, 2014 from 1PM till 3PM at the Island Lakes community center, off Courtney Parkway on N Merritt Island Fla. In lieu of flowers a memorial Donation may be made in his name to your local Fire Department or Emergency Services provider.