F. Parker Caswell, 91, formerly of Marblehead, passed away peacefully in his sleep Feb. 4, 2023. He was the beloved husband of the late Carolyn (Rolfe) with whom he shared 42 years of marriage before her death in 2001.
Born in Marblehead in 1931, he was the son of the late Herbert and Grace (Parker) Caswell. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Herbert (Ethel) and James (Priscilla).
Parker lived in Marblehead most of his life and graduated from Marblehead High School in 1950. At MHS, his passion was sports, playing basketball and baseball but excelling in football, where he was a three-year starter and All-Scholastic player.
Parker attended Dartmouth College, continuing his football excellence, and participating in the U.S. Marine Corps Officer Training Program.
After graduation, he served in the Marines for two years in California and Hawaii, reaching the rank of 1st lieutenant. He then returned to the East Coast, where he began his teaching and coaching career at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire and then for 35 years at Marblehead High School, where he was a beloved math teacher.
Parker briefly coached baseball and basketball at MHS, but his love was coaching football. He also worked closely with the athletic office as faculty manager, taking care of ticket sales for games and school events.
During his free time, Parker enjoyed working in his vegetable and flower gardens, watching the games of all of the Boston sports teams, reading and Friday evening slide shows. He loved family and being a part of his kids’ lives, having coached each son in youth baseball and football.
When his wife got sick, he retired early to take care of her. Caswell spent the last few years of his life at the John Bertram House in Salem.
“Our family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the staff of JBH for all the love and support they gave our father,” Caswell’s family said. “We would also like to thank the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers for making his last few days peaceful.”
Caswell is survived by his three sons, Peter (Joanne), Andrew (Nancy) and Jonathan; his two grandsons, Andrew, Jr. and Gregory (Meghan); one great-grandson, Mickey; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and family friends.
A celebration of Caswell’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Caswell’s name to the John Bertram House, 29 Washington Square, Salem, MA, 01970. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Caswell family may be shared at EustisandCornellFuneralHome.com.
