Dear Editor:
At this time, we would like to thank all of our relatives and friends who expressed their condolences to our family upon the loss of our beloved father, who passed away Sept. 15. The outpouring of love and affection for Edward W. Parkes Sr. was overwhelming.
A special thanks to Capt. Joel Magenheimer of the Guttenberg Police Department and Chief Charles Everett of the Union City Police Department for escorting the funeral procession so diligently and with so much concern.
We would also like to thank Union City Mayor Brian Stack, Teamsters Local 560 of Union City, the Disabled Veterans Chapter 49 of West New York and Guttenberg, the Veterans of Foreign War Post 337 of Fairview and Post 2648 of North Bergen, Commander Frank Romano of Post 365 of Fairview, and the American Legion and various posts throughout the state of New Jersey.
A special thanks to Gary Nelson, National Executive committeeman and past state commander of the Sons of the American Legion Post 365 of Fairview, for the amazing commitment that ensured our father was retired with military honors, solidarity, significance, and leadership. It was a memorable final salute for his service to his country.
He served two tours in the Army and was a life member of the VFW and the American Legion. He was the truck driver for the Teamsters Local 560 as well as an owner of several businesses in the Hudson County area.
A lifelong resident of Guttenberg, he also founded the Guttenberg Youth Club. He and our mother Louise were the first husband/wife team to run independent in a council election.
He was the devoted father to Edward, Jr., Gary, Mark, Kathleen, Larry, Patrick, and Jamie. He is also survived by many grand and great-grandchildren. He will surely be missed.
It is impossible for our family to personally acknowledge each and every person who paid their respects, but please know that we are extremely grateful for your kind words, Mass cards, flowers, and donations in Edward’s name. We offer everyone our humble and heartfelt thanks.
The Parkes and Sondrup Family