Legacy Society Member Stories

We’ve been blessed. There’s no question. – Dr. and Mrs. Frederick B. Parker, Jr. 

They consider themselves blessed. That is why Dr. Frederick “Fritz” Parker and his wife Ginny have included the Upstate Foundation in their estate plans.

An emeritus professor of surgery at Upstate Medical University and one of the institution’s most beloved and highly respected physicians, Dr. Parker’s career at Upstate began in 1971 during the early days of modern cardiac surgery. In the subsequent 30 years, Dr. Parker pioneered the cardiac surgery department, training countless residents and fellows, which led to his eventual appointment as chief of the cardiothoracic division, and later, chair of the Department of Surgery.

Ginny has also impacted the lives of countless young people through a long career in education and the arts. She is the co-founder and co-director of the Kynda Montessori School.

The giving history of the Parkers to the Upstate Foundation began nearly four decades ago and will continue on into perpetuity with the bequest in their will. In the years between their first gift and most recent legacy gift, the Parkers have generously named rooms in the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital and Upstate Cancer Center, and contributed to a wide variety of Foundation funds, including an endowed lectureship in cardiothoracic surgery named in Dr. Parker’s honor. They attend Upstate’s Gala every year and have supported Upstate University Hospital’s annual fund since its inception in 1997.

Dr. Parker is equally as generous with his time. He is a longtime member of the Foundation’s board of directors; for 18 years he has helped guide the Foundation, serving as an officer including chairman, and sitting on numerous committees. Dr. Parker has always been an advocate for Foundation causes, and accepted leadership roles in the Foundation’s capital campaigns for the Children’s Hospital and Cancer Center.

“Our hope is that our gift will continue to strengthen Upstate and hopefully serve as an inspiration to others who are considering their own legacies,” Ginny said.