1945
Orrin
2025
Orrin Sylvester Parkes Jr.
July 27, 1945 — October 11, 2025
Endicott
Orrin Sylvester Parkes Jr.
July 27, 1945 – October 11th ,2025
Passed away peacefully on October 11th, 2025, at the age of 80, or as he would say, “8 decades old.” You might have known our father as “Junior,” “Noon,” or “Chevy Chase.”
Orrin was the man, the myth, and the legend. He was always the first one in the room to crack a joke…”Yayol.”
He graduated from Union-Endicott High School, Class of 1963 (Go Tigers!). He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1964–1967 (even though he had motion sickness!).
Orrin was a Master Electrician and ran his own business for years, Parkes Construction.
He later earned a master’s degree in education and went on to teach electricity at Broome–Tioga BOCES. He retired at 55, something he was very proud of and loved to bring up.
Every Christmas, he played Christmas Vacation for his students and gave them a test afterward — one of the questions was, “How many lights are on the house?”
One of his proudest achievements was his family and being the best dad, grandfather (“Gramps”), and great-grandfather, anyone could ask for.
Orrin was predeceased by his parents, Orrin Sylvester Parkes Sr. and Evelyn Parkes; his sister and brother-in-law, Jean and John Hotsko; brother-in-law, Bob Cerra; and his very special Uncle Roy and Aunt Katy Andrus.
He is survived by his daughters, Tonya Yowell (Mike Heide), and Laurie Parkes, and almost son-in-law Mike Smolinsky; his sons (daughters-in-law), Jesse Parkes (Arianna) and Tim Parkes (Amanda).
Grandchildren: Katie Tompkins (Brian), Katrina Baumlin (Brett), Kenneth Paine Jr., Joshua Yowell, Alex Crotsley, Logan Clark (Brian), Skyler Yowell, Taylor Stonehouse (Joe), Noah Parkes, Penelope Parkes, Adriana Rigo, Colin Rigo, and Bailey Parkes.
Great-grandchildren: Blake Putano, Kyle Grenolds, Aaliyah Baumlin, Nevaeh Baumlin, Dallas Clark, Hudson Clark, Miles Maciag, and Sienna Stonehouse.
He is also survived by his favorite sister, Rosena Cerra; brothers Ray, Ralph, and Bob Parkes (Sue); and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home on Thursday, October 23 from 4 to 6 pm. A graveside service will be held at Riverhurst Cemetery on Friday, October 24 at 1 pm.
A celebration of Orrin’s life will be held on Friday, October 24, at 2:00 p.m. at Kristofor’s, 1224 Campville Road, Endicott, NY 13760.
July 27, 1945 – October 11th ,2025
Passed away peacefully on October 11th, 2025, at the age of 80, or as he would say, “8 decades old.” You might have known our father as “Junior,” “Noon,” or “Chevy Chase.”
Orrin was the man, the myth, and the legend. He was always the first one in the room to crack a joke…”Yayol.”
He graduated from Union-Endicott High School, Class of 1963 (Go Tigers!). He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1964–1967 (even though he had motion sickness!).
Orrin was a Master Electrician and ran his own business for years, Parkes Construction.
He later earned a master’s degree in education and went on to teach electricity at Broome–Tioga BOCES. He retired at 55, something he was very proud of and loved to bring up.
Every Christmas, he played Christmas Vacation for his students and gave them a test afterward — one of the questions was, “How many lights are on the house?”
One of his proudest achievements was his family and being the best dad, grandfather (“Gramps”), and great-grandfather, anyone could ask for.
Orrin was predeceased by his parents, Orrin Sylvester Parkes Sr. and Evelyn Parkes; his sister and brother-in-law, Jean and John Hotsko; brother-in-law, Bob Cerra; and his very special Uncle Roy and Aunt Katy Andrus.
He is survived by his daughters, Tonya Yowell (Mike Heide), and Laurie Parkes, and almost son-in-law Mike Smolinsky; his sons (daughters-in-law), Jesse Parkes (Arianna) and Tim Parkes (Amanda).
Grandchildren: Katie Tompkins (Brian), Katrina Baumlin (Brett), Kenneth Paine Jr., Joshua Yowell, Alex Crotsley, Logan Clark (Brian), Skyler Yowell, Taylor Stonehouse (Joe), Noah Parkes, Penelope Parkes, Adriana Rigo, Colin Rigo, and Bailey Parkes.
Great-grandchildren: Blake Putano, Kyle Grenolds, Aaliyah Baumlin, Nevaeh Baumlin, Dallas Clark, Hudson Clark, Miles Maciag, and Sienna Stonehouse.
He is also survived by his favorite sister, Rosena Cerra; brothers Ray, Ralph, and Bob Parkes (Sue); and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home on Thursday, October 23 from 4 to 6 pm. A graveside service will be held at Riverhurst Cemetery on Friday, October 24 at 1 pm.
A celebration of Orrin’s life will be held on Friday, October 24, at 2:00 p.m. at Kristofor’s, 1224 Campville Road, Endicott, NY 13760.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Orrin Sylvester Parkes Jr., please visit our flower store.
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