William J. Parks, Jr., MD

William J. Parks Jr. of Needham, MA passed away on June 23, 2026 at home with his family. He was 88 years old. Born on June 26, 1937, Bill was the son of William J. and Rita (Murray) Parks of West Roxbury, MA and the beloved husband of Jane (Conway) Parks. Together they shared more than 63 years of marriage and built a wonderful life rooted in love, faith and family.

He was predeceased by his son William J. Parks III. He is survived by his loving children: Kathleen Parks of Needham, MA, Philip (Kristine) Parks of Rochester, MA, Jacqueline (John) Mullowney of West Newton, MA, Stephen (Sarah) Parks of Bellingham, MA, Richard (Kendra) Parks of Bridgewater, MA, Amy (Robert) Mosher of Franklin, MA, Robert (Emily) Parks of Sudbury, MA and daughter-in-law Valerie Parks of Albuquerque, NM. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Brian (Amelia), Jeffrey, Kathryn, Kristin, John, Brendan, Caroline (Joseph), Lauren, Kerry, Matthew, Emma, Ryan, William, Annie and Charlie; and his great-grandchildren: Joseph, Jason, Jaxon and Juliette. He is also survived by his brothers Robert (Elaine) Parks of Needham, MA and John Parks of Pocasset, MA and sisters Patricia Ratto of Hingham, MA and Ellen (Peter) Mullen of Chatham, MA, as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends who all loved him dearly.

Bill grew up in West Roxbury, MA and graduated from the Boston Latin School, Boston College and the Tufts University School of Medicine, where he received his M.D. and completed his residency in Pathology. Following his internship at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Brighton, MA, Bill began his medical career at Leonard Morse Hospital, where he worked for over 25 years and served as the Chief of Pathology. Bill also worked at Good Samaritan Medical Center, Newton-Wellesley Hospital and was an adjunct professor for many years at the Tufts University School of Medicine. As a physician, Bill was respected not only for his knowledge and professionalism, but also for the kindness, humility, and compassion he showed to every patient and colleague.

Bill and his wife Jane raised their eight children in Needham and also spent many happy summers on Cape Cod. Bill was an active volunteer at his church, where he taught religious education and helped instill the values of faith, compassion, and kindness in countless children, just as he did with his own family. He was previously a member of Needham Golf Club and the Needham Pool & Racquet Club, where he served on the Board of Directors. Bill will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his kindness toward others, his lifelong love of Boston College sports and his unwavering devotion to his family. He was beloved by everyone who knew him and he will be deeply missed.

Visiting hours will be held in the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue, Needham, on Monday June 29th from 9:45-11:45am. A  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00pm at St. Joseph’s Church, 1360 Highland Avenue, Needham. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory can be made to the Catholic Memorial High School Fund and the St. Sebastian’s School.

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