Harold Parker's Obituary
Hal Parker Obituary
Sandy Springs, Georgia
October 5, 1936 – February 17, 2026
Hal Parker, a man of "fifteen lives," eternal optimism, and boundless charisma, passed away at the age of 89. Born in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, New York, Hal lived a life defined by loyalty, resilience, and a charisma that could light up any room. He departed this world just one day after the anniversary of his late wife Fran’s passing—a final, poetic gesture from a man who lived his life with the timing of a master performer.
Growing up in Brooklyn, Hal was the son of a close-knit family, predeceased by his brother, Harvey Pensky, and his sister, Rae Doliner. He was a proud graduate of the City University of New York (CUNY) and served his country in the Army Reserves.
Hal spent his professional career dedicated to the youth of New York City, serving as the Supervisor of Attendance for the Board of Education until his retirement in 1995. While he was a respected leader in the school system, his true "second act" took place on the stage.
A pillar of the local arts community, Hal was a commanding presence by founding the Huntcliff Players. His impact was so profound that the troupe was renamed the Hal Parker Players in his honor. Whether he was directing or acting, Hal had a rare gift for making everyone around him feel like a star, turning a room of strangers into a chorus of laughter.
Known by his family as an "eternal optimist," Hal possessed a resilience that defied the odds. Time and again, he bounced back from health challenges with a smile, usually requesting matzah ball soup and a pumpernickel bagel from Bagelicious. He faced the world with the unwavering belief that something good was always just around the corner.
Hal’s heart was as large as his personality. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Fran, for 49 years, caring for her with tireless devotion until her passing in 2009. Later in life, Hal was fortunate to find love again with Sandy Tanners, with whom he shared 10 wonderful years of companionship. In his final years at Huntcliff, he found great happiness with Jill Sellers, proving his own mantra that one is never too old to begin a beautiful new chapter.
He is survived by his devoted daughters:
Felice Myers and her husband, Dean.
Kim Parker and her husband, Tom Huth.
He was the proud grandfather to Max Myers (and wife Hannah) and Alana Zaleon (and husband Avi).
In his final days, when asked if anything worried him, Hal simply replied, "That everything is going to go well." He leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, laughter, and the living proof that life is meant to be embraced to the very last moment. His family takes comfort in knowing that, because of the foundation he built, everything will indeed be more than well.
Those of you who wish to further honor the memory of Harold may best do so by means of a contribution to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
What’s your fondest memory of Harold?
What’s a lesson you learned from Harold?
Share a story where Harold's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Harold you’ll never forget.
How did Harold make you smile?
