Theodore J. Parker (“Ted”), 87, of Oakton, Va., son of Theodore Parker and Melvina Parker of Portsmouth, N.H., passed away on March 8, 2026.
A dedicated public servant, lifelong educator, and devoted family man, he was born in the Bronx and raised in New Hampshire. Ted received his undergraduate degree from Plymouth College in New Hampshire, his master’s degree from Assumption College, and pursued doctoral studies at Boston College. He served with honor as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Ted devoted his life to education. He began his career teaching in Holden and Hingham, before joining the Massachusetts State Department of Education. His distinguished 40-year career included 24 years with the U.S. Department of Education, where he retired in 2000 as assistant to the assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education.
In retirement, Ted remained an active and valued member of his community. He took classes and served as a respected moderator for the Great Decisions program at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at George Mason University, where he fostered meaningful discussions on current events and global affairs.
As a longtime seasonal resident of Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard, he enjoyed many summers playing and competing in the Oak Bluffs Tennis Tournament. He loved biking and hiking around the Island, and spent many great evenings taking in Sharks baseball games. Ted found immense joy in being surrounded by family and friends on the Island, and cherished the Island as the place where he felt most at home.
Above all, Ted was a man of profound loyalty. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Marlene Newton Parker; his daughter, Karen; his son, David; and his sister, Mary Laverdure. He was a steady source of strength to his family and a trusted voice in his community. His inquisitive spirit, steady leadership, and kindness will live on in the countless minds he shaped and friends he cherished.
Please join us in celebrating the life of Theodore J. Parker at 11:30 am on Sept. 4 at the New Westside Edgartown Cemetery on Robinson Street, followed by a reception at the Rod and Gun Club (265 the Boulevard, Edgartown, MA 02539) from noon to 2:30 pm.
Donations may be made in Ted’s honor to Island Housing Trust, supporting affordable community housing on Martha’s Vineyard (ihtmv.org); to OLLI at George Mason University, supporting lifelong learning (olli.gmu.edu); or to Scouting America, National Capital Area Council, supporting youth mentorship (ncacscouting.org).
