John Raymond Parks

It is with the deepest sadness we, the Parks Family, announce the passing of John Raymond Parks, Jr. On June 21, 2025 he suffered a stroke, and passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025 surrounded by friends and family. John was born January 8, 1942 to Mary Elizabeth (Herald) Parks and John Raymond Parks, Sr. in Washington, D.C. He was a life-long resident of Maryland and graduated from High Point High School, Montgomery College and Potomac College Rockville, Maryland. He married Cheryl Kitterman on December 21, 1967 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Potomac, Maryland. He joined the Division of Computer Research Technology (DCRT) at The National Institutes of Health that same year. He retired in 2002 after thirty-five years of civil service. John proudly served his country as a member of the 2290th Division of The United States Army Reserve from 1963 to 1969. John loved classic cars and music of the 1960’s. He really liked to say he lived his life to the lyrics of the song “Imagine” by John Lennon.

During their marriage he and Cheryl enjoyed camping, traveling, and musical theater. They were past members of The Kennedy Center, Ford’s Theater, Strathmore Center for the Performing Arts, and The Olney Theater. The two of them spent many of their anniversaries at performances of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol at The Olney Theater. John especially loved winter vacations in Key West, Florida - his favorite place. 

John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Cheryl, and his two sons: Jon Travis Parks (wife, Michelle) of Inverness, Florida, and James Ethan Parks of Gaithersburg, Maryland. He is also survived by four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  At his request, he is being cremated and there will be no funeral. At a later date, his ashes will be scattered in his favorite place. If you would like to remember John, the Parks Family asks that donations be made to Montgomery Hospice 6001 Muncaster Road Rockville, Maryland 20855 or Knine Rescue Brookville, Maryland 20833. Or you can make a donation to your favorite charity in his honor. Thank you.

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