Longtime Hermosa Beach Pastor Dies
The Rev. Richard I.S. Parker, a longtime Hermosa Beach pastor who served three times as head of the South Bay Ministerial Assn., died Thursday at the age of 82.
The Ohio-born Parker, ordained in 1937, headed St. Cross Episcopal Church in Hermosa Beach from 1939 until his retirement in 1981, longer than any pastor in the Los Angeles Episcopal Diocese. He performed more than 4,000 baptisms, 2,600 confirmations, 1,000 marriages and 1,700 funerals.
Parker, who held numerous leadership positions in the Episcopal Diocese, was instrumental in founding the South Bay Hospital, the Beach Cities Free Clinic and the 1736 House counseling center. At his retirement dinner in 1981, the city councils of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach presented him with resolutions of commendation.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Oct. 30 at St. Cross, 1818 Monterey Blvd. Burial will be private.
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