Faupel Funeral Home

The former New Port Richey mayor and councilman cared about his community and worked to make it a better place, she said.Mr. Parker, 72, died early Sunday after a long illness. He was known for his dry sense of humor, his love of the outdoors and most of all, his passion for his community. That passion led Mr. Parker to serve as mayor and city council member, and also as a Pasco County School Board member. He also served on numerous boards in the community, including for the Tampa Bay Water Authority and the PACE Center for Girls. He was a member of the New Port Richey Rotary for more than 40 years. Throughout it all, Mr. Parker’s willingness to do what he thought was right was evident, said Heather Fiorentino, former superintendent of Pasco County schools. Fiorentino worked with Mr. Parker on the city council and on the school board. During those years, the board faced some of the biggest cuts it’s ever had to make. Mr. Parker remained a strong leader, Fiorentino said. His goal was to minimize the negative effects on students or staff members."He was always making sure we were doing the right thing," Fiorentino said.When things started to get too stressful, Mr. Parker knew how to lighten the mood, she said. He had a dry sense of humor, and his one-liners made everyone stop and laugh. "His quick wit was something that nobody would forget," Fiorentino said. Fiorentino said Mr. Parker didn’t always vote with the crowd, but always did what he believed was right. "He was a man of integrity," Fiorentino said. "That’s rare to find in a politician." Mr. Parker was an accountant. He merged practices with Michael Stone in 1987 to form Stone, Parker & Company. Stone said his and Mr. Parker’s lunchtime conversations revolved around what was going on in the community. Mr. Parker was proud to serve in the many roles he did, Stone said. He was proud of his city. "He was concerned about New Port Richey and Pasco County," Stone said. "That was his motivation for wanting to serve." Mr. Parker golfed every Saturday with a group of fr...

Current and past students and staff are encouraged to gather and walk the halls together, regardless of when they attended. More than 1,000 attendees are expected. During the event, trophies, pictures and other awards will be distributed to students and staff who earned them. Other memorabilia, such as athletic and band uniforms, will be for sale at a low price. A family fun area will include bounce houses and music. After the fun and open house portion, a closing ceremony presentation will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the gymnasium. Ridgewood, located at 7650 Orchid Lake Road, New Port Richey, opened in 1978 under founding principal Wendell L. Krinn. The school district is converting Ridgewood to a technical high school beginning in the 2018-19 school year. In August, the school will re-open as Wendell Krinn Technical High School, with opportunities to earn industry certification and college credits in 14 subject areas. Many local businesses and families are providing financial and in-kind assistance, including Winghouse, which is providing food for the event. Winghouse and Third Lake Capital are Presenting Sponsors. AirFun Games, Rollin James Custom Jewelers, Publix and Anclote Restoration are Platinum-Level Sponsors. Ed's Shoe Repair, Faupel Funeral Home Inc., Mancini Automotive, True Focus Eyecare and Walmart are Gold-Level Sponsors. Former faculty and staff who are planning to attend should call Cathy Tezber at (727) 774-3901, email her at ctezber@pasco.k12.fl.us or complete the online RSVP form by clicking here. To see more photos of Ridgewood High School through the years, visit the West Pasco Historical Society's Facebook page. Images of Ridgewood High School via West Pasco Historical SocietyGet the New Port Richey newsletterSubscribe...