Livonia: Ralph C. Parker of Commercial Street in Livonia, NY passed on January 27, 2025 at age 86 years. He was born on October 11, 1938 in Portsmouth, VA to the late Ralph C. Jr. and Marta (Aspegren) Parker.
He is survived by his brother Herman “Hap” (Lisa Okoniewski) Parker of Flourtown, PA; niece Suzanne Parker of Utah; sister-in-law Karen Okoniewski of Buffalo, and many friends in the Livonia Community.
Ralph owned and operated the Livonia Inn and the Livonia Lumber Company for most of his life, making friends and memories along the way. The Inn was a regular location for nightly dinners, happy hours, and bringing people together. It was there where Ralph loved to host his famous corned beef and cabbage dinner on St. Patrick’s Day, which always brought in a big crowd. He often invited groups to the Inn: card players, musicians, political group meetings, and it was certainly the place to go after a sporting event. He always welcomed and knew almost everyone there.
What most people didn’t know was that Ralph’s father was in the Navy, so every two years he would move to another naval base. He ended up going to seven different schools before spending a brief time at college, and then heading to California, to sail and surf on the ocean water he loved. This led to meeting many wonderful women from around the country, whom all adored him, as did the various horses and dogs he befriended. We know that dogs in particular are very good judges of character! Eventually moving back east, he joined the Rochester “Bachelors Club” and remained an active member for many years. Upon coming to Livonia to take over the Stewart lumber company, he found a place and people that he loved and never left.
He was a member of the Livonia Rotary Club for 57 years! Ralph joined on January 15, 1968 and was recognized for being a 50 year member on January 15, 2018. He was always proud of his involvement in Rotary and the motto of “Service above Self.”
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at the Livonia Inn at a future date and time to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made in Ralph’s Memory to the Friends of the Livonia Public Library, PO Box 202, Livonia, NY 14487. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Ralph was among the first business owners I met with upon becoming Executive Director of the County Chamber in 1994. He saw the value of tourism promotion and he ran two good businesses. He walked the talk of Rotary.
My first encounter with Ralph was probably as a kid in the late 1970s, going into the Livonia Inn with a pile of quarters to play Space Invaders! Livonia will miss him.
People talk about their community being an adopted hometown. Ralph adopted our community. He was involved in businesses, organizations, and activities that united people. Whether working as a Rotarian or Village Board Member, Ralph was a true gentleman who always wanted to give back to people. Thank you Ralph!
I spent many years working at the Penny Saver and Ralph was probably the “liveliest” customer I had the honor to work with. (You just never knew what he was going to say next)
A hard working & generous man.
Livonia and Livingston County will miss him, but his legacy will remain in all who encountered him.
Hap: My sincere condolences to you and your family at the passing of Ralph. He was a great friend to my Brothers Ron and Jim Reed. Every time we were at the Inn for lunch or dinner Ralph came to visit and shared stories! I enjoyed the
“The Wall of Fame” on the second floor office and all the pictures of people who touch his life!
God Bless You Ralph!
Feb. 2, 2025
We have lost another great person from Livonia.
Ralph was one of those unique persons who made Livonia, Livonia.
He gave so much to the community. He was one of those people who
tied us all together. He was a uniter. The Livonia Inn was the “Cheers” of
Livonia. Ralph was Sam Malone and the late great Randy Clements was Norm.
Take care. God Bless you Hap.
Terry Moran, Livonia
Loved by many
Great guy. Annual party at the Hunt was a melting pot.. a few betting patrons. Then back to the Livonia Inn after. Bachelor Cotillion membership. Since time began…lol. RE guy. You name it. He tried it.. Miss you buddy. Coyote
My sincere condolences to the Parker family. As everyone has said Ralph was a great guy n friend to all.
Ralph loved, and supported the music community.
Lots of fun memories with our Pot Luckers
Tuesday night sing-a-longs, food, and fellowship.
Prayers, hugs, and love to all who have known him.
So sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Truly a friend to all and always fun to see and enjoy hearing about what was happening. I recall many times over the years fun evenings at The Livonia Inn. He was always so welcoming!
In deepest sympathy, Kate Kingsley.
Dear Hap,
Sorry to hear about your wonderful brother’s passing. I remember the days of the lumber yard as do most Livonians. My father Jack used to warn me about you two before we went in!! But we’d always leave in stitches! Then there was the Livonia Hotel. Ralph was a great host, always happy to see you. Always wanting to know what was going on in our lives. Lots of fun and laughter and silliness! Those were the days! Thanks for the memories Ralph!
Ralph was a Renaissance Man by every definition.. By day he was rebuilding and constantly upgrading the Livonia Inn, by 6 pm he was seating people in the dining room or at Village of Livonia meeting or rotary. He was a decent poker player but had a bad habit of making a friend playing feel bad for winning.(smile). He was generous to a fault and as loyal of a friend as anyone could want. I never saw him that he wasn’t wearing a smile and want to know what was going on around town.He will be missed in our little village and I know his spirit and memories will last for decades.
I’ll always remember Ralph for giving more than he expected back.. Mike West
Ralph was an amazing man, my mom worked for him for many years. He gave me my first job. He is going to be missed dearly.
Ralph was my first real job – replacing old pages with new in his Lumber Yard catalog – when I was in a senior in high school and went half days. I also helped keep his lake cottage clean – our friendship started in !971 and even though as were grew in different directions in our lives – always enjoyed running into him for a quick update in my home town of Livonia. Those were the good old days – memories I reflect on fondly. Helen Gaczynski
SORRY 2 HEAR ABOUT RALPH, HE WILL B MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM!!!
Hap and family: Ralph and my husband( Jerry Phillips) we’re like “Brothers from another Mother. ” My sons (Jerome and Jeff )call him “Uncle Ralph.” Through the years we would get together at Livonia Inn for family dinners with Ralph. Prayers, Love and Hugs go out to you and the family as we continue to count our blessings for being ” Part of his Journey” and thank God for all the Memories. Looking forward to Ralph Celebration of Life so we can laugh and cry together. God Bless
Ralph became one of my most treasured friends over the past 3 years that I have worked at Wanda’s Family Restaurant. Hearing Ralph speak of his love of the Livonia community ,he would always say “life can’t get much better than this, with good friends, good food, a fantastic library, and the post office right here what more could I ask fort!”
I am truly blessed to have met such an inspiration!
You will be missed Ralph!
I opened Shelby’s Family Restaurant at 4 Commercial Street, Livonia; in May 2002 where I met Ralph and he became my mentor and my friend. He helped me …showing me where I could get the best prices for my inventory, and where I could find the best people to do work making improvements to the Restaurant. I have known Ralph Parker for 25 years and will miss him terribly!!! I will not be able to attend his Funeral because of poor health which I have been dealing with ,but he was a GREAT asset to the Village of Livonia, the Township of Livonia and the many
Ralph was an amazing man and a friend to many. We are pleased to be part of that circle of friends and have enjoyed several fun times together with him over the years. We loved the many times he came to our house to tell tales of sailing and his love of the water. He will be sadly missed. Heaven has added another Angel. Marlene Arnold and Dave Parker
He was a wonderful man, I had the pleasure of working with him and learning from him! We were friends for over 30 years. Rest In Peace my friend!