Obituary of Phillip Michael Parks
Phillip Michael Parks, age 81, of Shorewood, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center. He was the loving husband to Barbara Fahrner Parks; father of Jennifer Parks, Matthew (Amy) Parks, Emily (Graziano) Parks-Vernizzi, and Patrick (Roslin) Parks; and grandfather to Ashley, Grace, and Julia Parks, Luca Vernizzi, and William, Evelyn, and Adeline Parks. He is survived by sisters-in-law, Sharon Parks, and Susan Coen; brother-in-law David Coen; step-siblings, Patricia Franzen, Barbara Howell, and William Bryant; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Buford and Mary (Brownfield) Parks; his step-parents, Paul and Betty Magnuson; his brother, Rodney Parks; his grandmother, Cornelia Parks; and brother-in-law, Richard J. Fahrner.
Phil’s greatest love and passion was his family to whom he provided safe haven, discipline, good counsel, and grace throughout his life. He met his beloved wife, Barbara, on a blind date and after marrying in 1969 they built a life together. Every day included family dinners; every week church as a family; every year ski trips and summer vacations. His pride for his family ran deep as he saw his children grow into adults who forged good lives of their own. Watching his grandchildren experience life and taking them on new adventures – Florida, Hawaii – was a joy as was creating the next generation of Chicago Cubs fans.
Phillip was born on December 10, 1943, in Urbana, IL, the son of Buford and Mary Parks. After having lost his father during World War II, and his mother in 1955, at the age of 12, he was raised by his step-parents, Paul and Betty Magnuson. Together they raised a blended family that generated an extended tapestry of family that still gathers to this day.
Phillip graduated from Paxton High School, received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Immaculate Conception Seminary, and his Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Northern Illinois University. In 2002, Phillip retired from Bolingbrook School District 365-U as a Guidance Counselor after over 30 years of dedication to the students he served. He greeted them each morning with a warm smile and a handshake in the hallways, listened with compassion when they experienced difficulties and helped to plan their futures beyond high school. Throughout the 1980s he was a dedicated professor of world religion and philosophy at the University of St. Francis.
Outside the classroom, Phil found deep satisfaction and enjoyment owning his own business as a house painter for over 40 years along with his best friend, Thomas Wagner. Together they would delight in daily trips to Meade Baltz Paints in Joliet with a donut and coffee to follow. Phil was known for his steady hand and could paint any line.
Phil will be remembered as a great partner, wonderful father and grandfather, principled person, and a faith-filled soul. As all of his friends know, especially those on “the court” and his fellow Bolingbrook colleagues, his sense of humor was ever present and he was quick with a joke. Phil is an example of a life well-lived; we all miss him terribly. As God embraces him in heaven, Phil’s humanity, warmth, and focus on family will guide us in our lives.
Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, December 27th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black (at Essington) Rd., Joliet. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following morning, Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forrest Ave (Rt. 59), Shorewood, at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to the Habitat for Humanity Chicago or to a charity of your choice.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
