David Havener Parker

PORTLAND - David Havener Parker died peacefully at Maine Veteran's Home in Scarborough, Maine, on July 21, 2017 at the age of 85. He was the son of the late George Parker and Lena Pearl Havener. David was born on October 24, 1931, in Dr. Latham's private hospital in Portland, Maine. He grew up on both Peaks Island and in Portland, Maine. He graduated from Portland High School in 1949. David went into the Marines in October of 1951, where he was a part of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines Charley Company, 1st Marine Division. He was wounded on July 7, 1952, during the Battle to take Yoke Ridge, or Hill #159, during the Korean War. For his service, he received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star with Combat "V" for service in Korea, the Maine State Silver Star Honorable Service Medal, and the Korea Medal for service in defence of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. David married his wife Viviana Anania on February 14, 1953, and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Gorham State Teacher's College, Master's Degree from the University of Hartford, and a Sixth Year Degree in Administration from the University of Connecticut. David and his wife Viviana moved to Connecticut where he worked for the Vernon Public Schools as both a teacher and an administrator. He retired in 1989 after working for the school system for 31 years. The two moved back to Maine and lived on Peaks Island and in Portland, Maine. On Peaks, David enjoyed being a member of the American Legion and the Lion's Club, where he was the MC for the annual variety show for many years. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, painting, whistling, golfing, playing cards, working in the yard and on his row boat tending his 6 recreational lobster traps. His grandchildren always enjoyed visiting Papa, eating all his lobsters and listening to the candle story. David and his wife enjoyed taking trips each year to Aruba, Mexico, and casinos with the Italian Heritage group. He is preceded in death by Pauline (Parker) and Bob Jeffrey, Charlie and Lois Parker, Gene and Joanne Parker, Edward and Fern Parker, and Allan Parker. David is survived by his wife of 64 years Viviana Anania Parker, his children, Cynthia Parker, Mary and husband Peter Anderson, David and wife Martha Parker, Candace and husband Michael Myers, Lorie and husband Paul Lanza, and his sister Patricia and her husband Paul Ireland. He is also survived by grandchildren Matthew and wife Bekki Anderson, Kathryn Anderson, Christopher Anderson, David H. Parker II, Leah Parker, Emily Parker, Zachary Lanza, Benjamin Lanza, Gabrielle Lanza, Sara Myers, and Alissa Myers, as well as great grandchildren Emery and Cole Anderson and 33 beloved nieces and nephews. Family and friends may gather on Wednesday, July 26, from 10:30AM-11AM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A funeral service will follow at 11AM. Interment with Military Honors will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland, with a reception to follow at the Italian Heritage. All are welcome to attend and celebrate David's life. To view David's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com. The family would like to express sincere thanks to the caregivers and staff of the Maine Veteran's Home for their care and dedication. Donations may be made to Cure Alzheimer's Fund, 34 Washington Street, suite 200 Wellesley Hills, MA 02481, or at www.curealz.org, in David's memory.