Richard Andrew Parks Jr., 68, of Saco, Maine, went home to the Lord peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on August 23, 2026.

Rick was born on March 16, 1958, in Peterborough, New Hampshire, to Richard Andrew Parks Sr. and Patricia Orlando. He was raised in Peterborough and graduated from ConVal High School in 1977. He remained close throughout his life to his father, Richard, and his stepmother, Patricia Parks, who became an important and loving presence in his life.

Rick was known for his artistic and creative soul, his deep love for his family, and his unwavering kindness. A lifelong musician, he was most at home behind a drum kit, though he also loved writing lyrics and expressing himself through words and music. His creativity showed itself in many ways, including a tradition that became especially meaningful to his family and friends. Birthdays and Christmas often brought one of Rick’s personalized creations on Facebook. He would find photos they had shared and turn them into digital cards—sometimes even animated—made especially for them. It was a small but memorable way Rick let the people in his life know he was thinking of them.

Rick had a way of making people feel comfortable. An easy conversationalist and, even more importantly, a great listener, he was someone people naturally trusted with their problems. Even when facing struggles of his own, Rick was always willing to help someone else through theirs. He had a gentle spirit and was, in every sense of the word, a gentleman.

Above all, Rick loved his family. He was a fiercely loyal father, son, brother, and uncle, and the people he loved always knew that he was in their corner.

Rick is survived by his beloved daughter and greatest pride and joy, Jacqueline Michele Parks of New Orleans, Louisiana; his soulmate, Gina Bulleman of Abita Springs, Louisiana; his father and stepmother, Richard Sr. and Patricia Parks of Peterborough, his sisters, Laurie Mayhan and her husband, Richard, of Peterborough, and Krista Kullgren and her husband, Aaron, of Greenfield; his brother, Gino Gaillardetz; his sister, Gianna Fournier, and her husband, Scott, of Sandwich, Massachusetts; his uncle and aunt, Ronald and Phyllis Parks of Peterborough and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Orlando, and his beloved grandparents, William and Irene Parks of Peterborough. His grandparents played an especially important role in his life, and the bond he shared with them remained close to his heart throughout his life.