Parker, Thomas
Niantic — Thomas Francis Parker, 89, of Niantic, formerly of West Hartford, died Sunday, March 17, 2024. He was born Feb. 9, 1935, the son of John Parker and Mary Griffin Parker. He is predeceased by his wife, Julia Smith Parker; his brothers, John Parker of Lewiston, N.Y. and Robert Parker of West Hartford; as well as his sister, Faith Donaldson of Punta Gorda, Fla. He is survived by his three children, Katherine Irene Parker of Dorchester, Mass., Timothy Francis Parker (Carolyn) of West Hartford, and Theresa Parker Colantuono (Walter) of Portsmouth, R.I. He was most proud of his seven grandchildren, Parker Colantuono, Jack Parker, Ellie Parker, Katherine Parker, Thomas Parker, Daisy Colantuono and Nicholas Colantuono.
He was a graduate of Fordham University in 1957 and then attended University of Connecticut Law School obtaining his Law degree in 1962. He was admitted to the bar that same year. He began his career as a law clerk to the U.S. District Judge T. Emmet Clarie from 1962-63. He then joined the law firm of Gross Hyde and Williams Associates, becoming partner in 1965 until 1990. He also served as a U.S. Commissioner/ Magistrate from 1965-76. Former Governor William A. O’neill appointed Judge Parker to the bench in 1990. He served at courthouses in Bristol, Hartford, Middletown, New Britain, Waterbury and New London. While in New London he served as assistant Administrative Judge for the New London Judicial District and was named Deputy Chief Court Administrator in 2002. As Deputy Court Administrator he assisted in the assignment of Superior Court Judges. He also administered the Judicial Performance Evaluation Program and improvement of individual judges and the bench as a whole. Lastly, He served as a Judge Trial Referee. He was active on the Prison and Jail Overcrowding Commission, the Judges Advisory Committee on e-filing, the Chief Justice’s Ad Hoc Criminal Practice Committee and the Investigatory Grand Jury Panel. To honor his distinguished career his portrait was hung in the New London courthouse in 2016. Judge Parker loved his work. He loved the Law. It was his lifelong passion. He cherished the many friendships made within the courthouse walls.
Tom and Julie bought a cottage in Niantic in 1975. They were active members of the Niantic Bay Yacht Club. Tom was a founding member of the Muffin Men. They held dear the Niantic Community and especially considered the Niantic Bay Yacht Club to be home. Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. A Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, March 22, at St. Agnes Church, 22 Haigh St. Niantic. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Care and Share of East Lyme. Care & Share of East Lyme, Inc., PO Box 314, Niantic, CT 06357. Condolences may be shared on Tom’s memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.