Wally Parker Remembered

Wally Parker had a distinguished career in broadcasting that spanned more than 40 years. He began his illustrious career with the Voice of America in New York. He then moved to WBLJ in Dalton, Georgia. Following this he joined WAAT in Newark, NJ where his duties included hosting a live morning television cartoon show called “The Jolly Wally Show”. He then came back to New York and did a stint at WHN radio where in addition to his announcing duties he hosted the program “Stereo Pop with Wally Parker,” and then moved on to WNEW. In 1965, Mr. Parker joined ABC at their flagship station WABC in New York City as a Staff Announcer.

During the next 25 years he could be heard doing local and national radio news, which he wrote and read for the ABC Entertainment Radio Network, as well as commercials and promotional announcements. He also broadcast for local and national ABC television. Mr. Parker served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and while in the U.S. Naval Reserve Flight Program attended Yale, Princeton and Columbia Universities. He received a commission as Ensign, U.S.N.R. from Columbia Midshipman School.

Mr. Parker was very active in Annunciation R.C. Church where he and his wife Anne had been committed members for almost fifty years. He served as a Eucharistic Minister, usher and provided training for lectors. He was an avid golfer, which gave him many hours of pleasure with family and friends.

Wallace P. Parker passed away February 15, 2005 at his home at 144 Seneca Court, Paramus, NJ. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 55 years Anne, who passed away in December, 2002. Devoted father of Larry Parker and his wife Ellen, Wally Parker, Jr. and his wife Linda, Russell Parker and his wife DiDi, Lee Parker and his wife Jordana and the late John Parker who passed away in June, 1971. Loving grandfather of seven grandchildren and great-grandfather of one. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to: Valley Hospice, 15 Essex Road, Paramus, New Jersey 07652