Former East Haddam Man Dies

Bruce Parker, 65, of Willimantic, formerly of Colchester and East Haddam died Wednesday at Windham Hospital surrounded by his family. 

Bruce was born in Laconia, N.H., son of the late Richard N. and Betty E. (Moulton) Parker.  He was veteran of the U.S. Navy.  Prior to his retirement he was employed as a tool maker for Columbia Manufacturing.  Bruce was an extremely talented self taught executive chef and master tool maker.  He was an avid UCONN and Boston Red Sox fan.  Bruce enjoyed music, poetry, art, nature, and loved helping people of all walks of life.  He was always telling stories about growing up in New Hampshire and in East Haddam.  Bruce was proud of his accomplishments but even more proud of his family, especially his nieces and nephews.

He is survived by three brothers, Richard and his wife Carol, Bradley and his wife Dot, and Roy Parker and his wife Cindy all of East Haddam, a sister, Brenda Barber and her husband John of East Haddam,  also several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown.  Friends may call at the funeral home from 3 to 4 p.m. prior to the service.  Burial will be at the First Congregational Church Cemetery in East Haddam.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the Nathan Hale-Ray Middle School Jean Fund (Charity fund for East Haddam Community members in need) 73 Clark Gates Rd., Moodus, CT 06469.  To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.