Kevin Parker

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the loss of our brother, Kevin Parker. Kevin Parker, 57, of Waterbury, CT, was called to his eternal resting place on May 17th, 2022. 

Kevin grew up in Brooklyn, New York where he attended Abraham Lincoln High School. He lived for a short period in Harlem, NY in an apartment over Sylvia’s Soul Food Restaurant. He was well known in the Harlem community for his activism, especially raising awareness around tenant’s rights.   

Kevin was a self-taught gifted and talented artist, skilled in painting and drawing. His oil painting of the horse, Black Beauty, will forever be cherished. Kevin loved animals and once while in his late teens, he found a puppy and brought him home, to the surprise of his mother and siblings. He lovingly cared for the dog, feeding him a bowl of Cap’n Crunch cereal before having to find the dog a home. Kevin was also a martial arts enthusiast and fancied himself as a “Black Bruce Lee” teaching himself Kung Fu moves and using nun-chucks. He loved action and martial arts films and gravitated towards the ideas of self-discipline. One of Kevin’s dreams was to go to China and study at the Shaolin Temple. 

Most people will remember Kevin for being talkative, as he would chat to anyone. He also had a caring nature which was evident in his actions throughout the communities he lived in. Kevin would often look out for and help his neighbors as he always had a strong sense of community. Kevin was also a fearless protector and warrior to those he loved. Although he faced many obstacles in life, Kevin triumphed over them often educating people through his mistakes. Throughout the years, Kevin held many jobs, having last worked as a construction worker. Using his talkative nature to his advantage, he took on the role as a Certified Shop Steward. He educated employees about their rights and helped other young men gain employment. Kevin was a member of Local 79, Construction & General Building Laborers.

Although our hearts are filled with sorrow, we know that Kevin is at peace and with our ancestors. His time with us was short but we know…

“The Flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.”

Kevin is predeceased by his mother, Shirley Parker. 

Left to cherish his memory are his siblings, Kenneth Jones (Brother) and wife Lorraine; Debbie Parker Jackson (Sister) and husband David; Deatrice Parker (Sister) and Nanette Parker (Sister).  His nephews, Vincent A. Parker, Malcolm X. Kornegay, Earl Brittingham and Devon J. Redding.  He also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and great-nephews and nieces and many friends and neighbors. 

Arrangements are with the Cremation Society of New England/Connecticut Cremations. To send a condolence please, see www.connecticutcremations.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kevin Parker, please visit our floral store.