Robert Parks

Robert Parks passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025. He was born on October 18, 1944, at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, to Bernece and Clarence Parks. Following Clarence’s military service, the family settled in Lamesa, Texas, where Robert attended school and graduated from Lamesa High School.

He went on to study at The University of Texas at Austin, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967. After a year of graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served honorably for four years. Upon completing his service, Robert pursued graduate studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, earning a Master of Arts in Library Science in 1976.

Robert began his professional career in academia as the music librarian at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. During his tenure at Vassar, he also served as assistant to the president of the college. In 1989, he joined the Pierpont Morgan Library and Museum in New York City as the Robert H. Taylor Curator of Autograph Manuscripts. He later became the Director of Library and Museum Services. While at the Morgan, Robert curated several notable exhibitions and had the opportunity to collaborate with architect Renzo Piano during the museum’s expansion.

Following his retirement in 2012, Robert dedicated his time to the arts and community. He volunteered as a backstage tour guide at the Metropolitan Opera, a receptionist at the New York City Ballet, and as an ambassador at the Whitney Museum of American Art. He also served as president of the University of Michigan School of Information Alumni Board and was a member of the Library Advisory Council at The University of Texas at Austin. Robert was a member of the Century Association and the Grolier Club in New York.

He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Louan Parks Rogers. He is survived by his brother-in-law Glenn Rogers; nephews David Rogers(wife Michele, children Jad and Elle) and Robert Rogers (wife Elizabeth, children Ali, Emma, and Kyle Konarski).

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Manor Park for the compassionate care Robert received during his time there. A private family burial will be held in his memory.

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