Jay A. Parker

On August 4, 2017
9 Comments

Jay A. Parker, age 65, passed away after a long battle with lung cancer on Friday, August 4, 2017.

Born on December 2, 1951 in New York City, he was the son of Seymour and the late Greta Parker.

He was the beloved husband of Polina Parker; loving father of Ilena Parker and Richard (Jackie) Parker; cherished grandfather of Anastasia Parker; dear brother of Eric Parker and sister in law Debbie Gold; also survived by nephew, Aryeh Gold-Parker and niece, Lily Gold-Parker.

Jay was an avid collector of Lionel trains and other antiques. He loved music, played the banjo and was a devoted fan of the Grateful Dead. As a Physical Scientist at the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, he dedicated his career to developing safety equipment that saves many lives.

All services will be private. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jay’s name to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI), www.giveto.pitt.edu.

Please view and sign the family’s online guestbook at www.cremationfuneralcare.com.

9 Comments

Gary Noonan

Aug 11 2017

I have not seen Jay in a number of years, but we were on a number of Committees together in the 80's, when I was at NIOSH. He had a great sense of humor and was a smart as a whip, a good man and a gentle soul. Rest in Peace Jay!

Jim Harris

Aug 14 2017

My condolences to the Parker family. I worked with Jay, and he will be missed greatly. I pray that he is resting well and at peace.

Terrence K. Cloonan and Family

Aug 15 2017

I am lost for words, but I will attempt to capture over 18 years of work and friendship with Mr. Jay Parker. I met Mr. Parker at an ISEA meeting in Rosslyn in 1999. We both were industrial sector representatives from private industry, attending a session on 42 CFR Part 84. I was new to the group and Mr. Parker was willing to share his perspectives with me. I in turn shared with him a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during our off duty time at the meeting. He had never witnessed the Old Guard ceremony until that day I showed him. Through out the following 18 years we would show each other unique perspectives on PAPR use, design, and brands, as well as chemical agent toxicology and respiratory protection related to CBRN and non-CBRN work environments. Mr. Parker loved New York City and its sports teams and the best pizza in Brooklyn. But he also had a soft spot for the Pittsburgh Pirates. While his passion for model trains was evident, his passion for occupational safety of industrial workers was his life's calling. There is irony in all of this since most of us in the US DOD CBRN and private sector industrial hygiene professions know "you cannot decontaminate the lungs" once exposed. I will always remember Mr. Parker for his keen wit, his steadfast quest for repeatable scientific data, and his willingness to talk "respirator speak" at any time of day, night, or location. May God continue to bless him and his family as we all continue on this journey of life.

Dale Pfriem

Sep 15 2017

Jay, you served as a technical and historical guide since I met you some 30 years ago, but most of all a sincere friend. I will miss you.

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