Richard A. Parks

Scotia – Richard Alan Parks, 80, passed away on July 15, 2026 at the Samuel S. Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He was born in Schenectady, NY on December 16, 1945 to the late Walter J. and Margaret (Ivers) Parks. Richard graduated from Linton High School and briefly attended Hudson Valley Community College. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1966. He served as a wheel vehicle mechanic with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968.

After his honorable discharge in 1968, Richard was employed by Abelove’s Linen Supply and Coyne Industrial Laundry before spending over two decades as manager of Roy Matthews TV & Appliance Center in Scotia. He was a straight-shooting salesman who people sought out by name, building a large base of loyal customers.

Richard was a beloved, generous, and supportive father, brother, and friend. He was known by many names in life including Dick and Parksy, but none meant more to him than Pa, the name bestowed by his first grandson. Pa adored his two grandsons and was a steady and loving presence in their lives. Besides his children and grandchildren, he was devoted to DIRT modified racing. Parksy was a fixture at Malta and Fonda Speedways and was a loyal member of the Jack Johnson and Ronnie Johnson teams from 1976 until the end.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Walter Parks and Joseph Parks, and his parents, Walter and Margaret (Ivers) Parks. He is survived by his daughter, Colleen Smith, and his son, James P. Parks; his grandsons, Liam Smith and Owen Smith; his friend and wife, Janis Parks; and his brother, John Parks.

The family would like to thank the medical teams that cared for Richard at Ellis Hospital, St. Peter’s Hospital, and especially the Samuel S. Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Gleason Funeral Home. Internment will take place at the Saratoga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Richard’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrier Project.