Charles R. “Charley” Parker, 74, of Pittsford, Vermont, died unexpectedly on Monday, July 8, 2024. He died in the line of duty, after a fire call with the Chittenden Volunteer Fire Department.

He was born on December 17, 1949, in Rutland, Vermont, the son of Fredrick G. Parker and Mary (Harmon) Parker. Charley grew up on the family dairy farm and continued working it into his late 30s while working part-time at the Wooden Barrel Country Store. Charley also worked at Vermont Tubbs in Brandon until their closing, then moved on to the State of Vermont Transportation in Mendon, before retiring in 2014.

He graduated from Otter Valley Union High School in 1968.

Charley enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, canoeing, woodworking, watching his grandson Nolan play baseball, and volunteering at the Chittenden Volunteer Fire Department.

You could faithfully find Charley every morning at the Wooden Barrel Country Store enjoying coffee with his friends. Charley loved people and was always quick to offer a smile, wave, friendly conversation, or helping hand. He helped and never asked for anything in return. He enjoyed his family and loved the big Parker gatherings with his siblings and all his cousins that he grew up with on Parker Road. Charley was a giver and gave his all to everyone he encountered.

Above anything, Charley loved the Chittenden Volunteer Fire Department, which was an extension of his family. He rarely missed a call and was usually the first one at the station. While in the department, he was honored with the 1st captain rank for most of those 40+ years. He played softball and participated in the Muster Water Wars. Charley felt at home with Chittenden and took watching over it seriously. At times, that meant he wouldn’t go out of town on trips or day outings because he didn’t want to miss a call.

Survivors include his daughters, Melissa Parker, Janice Parker, and Johanna Litchfield; a brother, William Parker, and his wife, Martha; a sister, Betty Landon; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; many beloved nieces and nephews and wonderful cousins; and his brothers and sisters, past and present, of the Chittenden Volunteer Fire Department and First Response. He was predeceased by his parents and a great-grandson.