A Tribute to Frederick B. Parker, Jr., MD
From The Upstate Foundation
“No one said no to Fritz.” This is the legacy at The Upstate Foundation of Frederick B. Parker, Jr., MD, known to all as Fritz. The Foundation is mourning the loss of its long-time and dear friend Fritz.
Dr. Parker’s legacy will live on in perpetuity at Upstate Medical University through the Frederick Parker Jr., MD, Endowed Lecture in Cardiothoracic Surgery (fund #70335) established at the Foundation in 2010. The endowment honored Dr. Parker for decades of service to Upstate, and is used to host a dynamic national leader in cardiac surgery each year, hopefully inspiring medical students and surgical residents to follow in Dr. Parker’s footsteps.
The phrase “no one said no to Fritz” refers to his donation of time as an active advocate for Foundation causes such as the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, Upstate Cancer Center and Friend in Deed, the annual fund for Upstate University Hospital. In addition, Dr. Parker was a member of the Foundation’s board of directors for 19 years, serving as an officer including chairman, and sitting on numerous committees. As generous as he was with his time, he was equally generous as a philanthropist. His giving history at the Foundation dates back to 1981 and is highlighted by naming gifts in the Children’s Hospital and Upstate Cancer Center.
After making those naming gifts, Dr. Parker assumed a leadership role in both of the Foundation’s capital campaigns, for the Children’s Hospital and Cancer Center. Soft-spoken and passionate, he approached countless prospective donors about the value of having such important resources in the Central New York community. While he was quite effective, he was also quietly persistent, never giving up until he procured the gift. After the Children’s Hospital campaign, the adage, “no one says no to Fritz” was born. During the cancer campaign, Foundation development officers would occasionally turn to Fritz to help close a difficult gift. After all, no one says no to him.
Dr. Parker was a former co-chair of Friend in Deed, Upstate University Hospital’s annual fund. It is typically a token position, but not for Dr. Parker. He rolled up his sleeves and began to work. He requested report after report from the Foundation. He scheduled meetings with the hospital’s department chairs. He made face-to-face solicitations. He sent an appeal letter to family members and friends. And as always, he lead by example, making his own gift first. Together with his wife Ginny, Dr. Parker contributed to Friend in Deed for 23 consecutive years. They also supported Upstate’s annual Gala and contributed to a wide variety of Foundation funds.
It was with deep appreciation and much affection that the Foundation presented Dr. Parker with the President’s Award for Philanthropic Service in 2015.