William R. Parks

Former area resident William R. 'Bill' Parks, 89, died at his home in Hershey, Pa., on February 1, 2025, following a long illness. He was born in Dunkirk, N.Y., on November 27, 1935, son of the late Joseph and Genevieve Pokrzywka.

He was predeceased by brothers Joseph and Arthur and sisters Elaine (Kaus) and infant Irene.

Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy (Barnes) Parks; daughter and son-in-law Mary and Rob Wozniak of Muncy, Pa., and children Bobby (Briana), Stephen (Anya) and Joseph; son Michael Parks of Los Angeles, Calif., and children John and Isabella; daughter Carol Emmett of Tempe, Ariz., and children Brittni (Alex) and Mason; great grandchildren Paisley, Bradley, Phoebe, Palmer, Brayden, Philippa, and Gracelyn; brother-in-law John Barnes, sister-in-law Terri Parks, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was a 1953 graduate of Dunkirk High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana Institute of Technology, and Master of Science degrees from Canisius College and the University at Buffalo. He served in the US Navy, assigned to Naval Air Intelligence. He began his career as a programmer of an early IBM computer at the ALCO in Dunkirk, then went on to teach science at Dunkirk High School and Cardinal Mindszenty High School. Later, he taught mathematics and established computer curricula at colleges in New York State, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Arizona. He was a pioneer in the field of personal computing and authored mathematics teaching materials. In retirement he facilitated the publication of numerous books written for children and adults.

Bill was a member of St. Joan of Arc Church in Hershey. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home; 736 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY. Interment in Forest Hill Cemetery; Fredonia, NY.