Gerald J. Parker - Obituary

erald J. (Jerry) Parker, 79, of Ft. Washington, MD died peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 26, 2024, after a 9-month battle with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer. Jerry was born in Boston, MA, the son of Al and Lillian Parker (both deceased). He attended the Boston Latin School, and he graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA in 1966 with a BS degree in Chemical Engineering. He began his career in the Civil Service working for the Department of the Navy at the naval base in Indian Head, MD in 1966. Here he met his future wife Sally while he played tennis with the Navy Base team. He was an avid tennis player for almost 40 years. He took a job with the newly established Environmental Protection Agency from 1970–1974. He moved on to the Department of Energy in 1974 and retired in 2003 with a Distinguished Service Award for 35 years of Federal Service. Always interested in fitness, exercise, and sports, Jerry worked out in gyms from Rome to Hawaii. So, it was no surprise when he then became a certified personal trainer after retiring from government service. He enjoyed working with clients from all over the Washington D.C. area for many years. Surviving are his wife of 57 years Sally (Attaway), his daughters Emily (Dave) Blondin and Jody Shirley; grandchildren Kaylee Shirley, Andrew Shirley, Parker Blondin, and Olivia Blondin. As Jerry traveled this difficult journey, his family surrounded him with loving care at home and celebrated his life daily. Memorial donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society