A funeral took place Jan. 10 for Michael R. Parkes, 72, a prominent merchant in West New York. He passed away Jan. 7. Born on Hudson Avenue in West New York, he was a lifelong resident. He served in the National Guard. He was the deputy director of the West New York Urban Enterprise Zone and past president of the West New York Chamber of Commerce. A longtime sponsor of the West New York Little League, he was also a past president of the West New York Kiwanis. He is survived by his Bertha; brother of Ronald and his wife Gail; uncle of Ronald, Michael, Timothy, Brian; and many grand nieces and grand nephews. Services arranged by the Vainieri Funeral Home, North Bergen.