Parker, Kelly
ROTTERDAM — Kelly Parker, 60, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 5, 2020, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He left this life, albeit far too soon, with all of the people he loved the most by his side, exactly as he wanted.
Born and raised on the Parker family farm in Middleburgh, Kelly graduated from Middleburgh Central School in 1978. After countless adventures, concerts and poker games, he went on to become one of the hardest working single fathers, raising his four children whom he loved with all his heart. Many weekends and summers were spent at the "Farm," where he loved being with his children in the outdoors riding ATVS, skiing and camping. Eventually, he embraced and perfected his role with the title of "Poppa Kelly," as he became a grandfather for the first time in 2001.
In 2006, he put all of his chips on the table and started his own business, Pressed 4 Time Dry Cleaning Delivery Service. He quickly became well known and respected around the Capital Region for being one of the most loyal and trustworthy people one could ever meet. In 2007, with a few clicks of fate from thousands of miles away, he met the love of his life, Rawnak Lira Nazreen, "Yaya," and eventually set forth on a journey to Bangladesh to marry his soulmate. Kelly put every fiber of his efforts into being the best husband, father and grandfather he could possibly be while keeping the strong family traditions such as the famous Parker Thanksgiving poker games alive and well. In the final years of his life, his entire purpose was to enjoy as much time with his family as he possibly could. With special thanks to his brother Chris, Kelly was able to enjoy his last years doing everything from water skiing at Otsego Lake, golfing, camping, taking trips to Las Vegas, and Key West, to teaching his grandchildren to learn how to ski and how to ride dirt bikes, or simply just having them over for spontaneous visits. Each and every moment was treasured and will be cherished forever, as his life was cut far too short after being diagnosed with ocular melanoma in 2018. Kelly lived a happy life and he had said many times that he will have no regrets on his final day. He was an inspiration of strength for us all, as we knew he was the kind of man who deserved to live a much longer life.
Kelly is survived by his wife and soulmate: Rawnak Lira Parker; brothers: Frances "Rusty" Parker (Donna), Mike Parker (Kathy), and identical twin Christopher Parker (Laurice); sister: Tina Parker (Dan); and his aunt: Marilyn Bradt. Kelly is also survived by his four children: Jarred Parker, Lauren Mahar (Gregory), Tara Smith (Adam), and Collin Parker along with many nieces and nephews. His complete pride and joy were his eight grandchildren: Jordyn Grace, Hailey Kay, Natalie Marie, Danielle Elise, Anthony Joseph, Charlotte Mae, Gabrielle Kelley, and Grayson Parker. Kelly was predeceased by his parents: Frances L. and Kathleen R. Parker of Middleburgh; and his sister, Lorraine "Cookie" Duncan of Middleburgh.
An open invitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, December 11, at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River Street Middleburgh. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, in the Middleburgh Cemetery, Cotton hill Road, Middleburgh. Per guidelines, facial coverings and distancing will be respected by all attending respected by all attending both the visitation and graveside service.
Kelly’s family requests that memorial contributions in his memory be sent to the Middleburgh Emergency Volunteer Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 817, Middleburgh, NY, 12122.
Please visit coltrainfuneralhome.com for more information and to share online condolences with Kelly’s family.