Leo Joseph Parkes

Leo J. Parkes was the youngest child of John and Loretta Parkes and was born in Boston on March 20, 1942. He lived in Dorchester through his teenage years, moving to Hull 65 years ago. He graduated from Boston Technical High School in 1959 and entered the Massachusetts Army National Guard in 1960, proudly serving until 1970. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University in 1965. 

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Leo met his future wife, Sandy, after moving to Hull with his mother, Loretta. Sandy lived across the street from Leo’s oldest sister, Marie, and her husband John Kenerson. She was 13 when she began babysitting the Kenerson boys soon after they moved into their Mayflower Road home. Shortly after Leo moved to Hull, he stopped in to say hello to his sister and Sandy was babysitting. This was the beginning of their long-lasting friendship. He was 17 and she was 15. 

Leo began his career after college as a food salesman before becoming a sales representative at the Langley Corporation of Medford, where he found his niche in Material Handling and Storage Equipment. In 1977, he started his own business in Rockland, All-Tech Materials Handling Equipment Corporation. He purchased a building and warehouse in Abington seven years later and moved the company to its new location. Many family members worked with him throughout those 32 years, but it was his wife Sandy, who was always there to support him, playing a key role in the success of the business as his partner. 

Leo was a longtime member and president of the Rotary Club of Abington, past president of the Hull Improvement Association, member of the Hull Conservation Commission, member of the National Rifle Association and a life member of the Friends of the South Shore Hospital. He was a member of the Friends of the Hull Marching Pirates in the 1980s where he was always willing to support Hull High School’s Marching Pirates Band.

Leo was married to his beloved wife, Elizabeth S. Parkes (Sandy Allen) at St. Ann’s Church in Hull on October 23, 1964, and shared almost 45 years of marriage with her. He was the loving father of Elizabeth S. Parkes II (Liz) and her partner William J. Horne (Bill) of Hull and Amy E. Meschino and her husband John J. Meschino (Jay) of Leland, North Carolina. He was affectionately known to his grandchildren as “Beepa”. His grandchildren are James R. McNamee of Hull, Kathryn R. Meschino of Boston and Joseph F. Meschino of Groton, CT.

Leo's life revolved around his family and his many friends. He was passionate about the ocean and enjoyed fishing, boating and lobstering, especially with his brother, Donald. His boat, Beepa Buoy, was docked at the Spinnaker Island Yacht Club in Hull. He is buried with relatives overlooking Spinnaker Island and the harbor that he loved so much.
 

He is remembered for his sense of humor and dimpled smile, his ability to listen and help in any way he could, and his simple philosophy to always put others first. He delighted many children through the years playing Santa Claus. Nothing made him happier than seeing faces light up when Santa entered the room!

Leo passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2009 in the Bahamas while he was fishing. He was 66. A fitting farewell to a wonderful man!