Dr. Parker E. Moreland Jr.

Dr. Parker E. Moreland, Jr. passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Waterbury Hospital after a brief illness.

Dr. Moreland was born on November 5, 1931, in Fort Worth, Texas, the son of the late Parker E. Moreland, Sr. and Frances Hardy Moreland. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Edwina “Wini” Moreland, his brother Frank Lee Moreland, his nephews Kyle Moreland and Scott Moreland, and his nieces Meredith Moreland Dawes, and Linda Falgiani.

Dr. Moreland is survived by his daughters, Janet (Vincent) Caggiano, Kay (Anthony,) Marbeth, Sharon (Paul) Hiznay, and his grandchildren, Vincent “VJ” Caggiano, Heather “Zozo” (Brandon) Marbeth, Ashley (Todd) Marbeth, Christina “Tina” (Will) Caggiano, Alexa (Andrew) Hiznay, Tyler Hiznay. He also leaves two great grandsons, Michael Toth, and Joshua Pratt, his brother and sister in-laws Otis and Anne Moreland, and several nephews and nieces.

Dr. Moreland was a 1950 graduate of Paschal High School in Fort Worth, Texas, where he met his wife, Wini. He graduated from Baylor University in 1954, BS cum laude. He received his PhD in Physics from Harvard University in 1962. He served in active duty in the Air Force at the Pentagon from 1959-1961.

Dr. Moreland and his family moved to Wheaton, Illinois in 1962, where he worked at Argonne National Laboratory. He began his volunteering there that he would continue over the rest of his life. He served as a PTA member, School Board member, and member of Wheaton, Illinois Housing Commission. In 1973 his family moved to Danbury, Connecticut and he worked at Sperry Rail. During his 40 plus years in Danbury he served as chair of the Danbury High School PTO, was a member of United Way, and served in several positions at King Street United Church of Christ.

Dr. Moreland went back to school and became a science teacher late in life. He taught at Wolcott High School from 1988 until his retirement in 1998. He avidly pursued volunteering after his retirement. He volunteered with the John J. McCarthy Observatory for many years and volunteered with SeniorNet. After his move to The Watermark in Southbury, Connecticut twelve years ago, he was a regular speaker and presenter for all kinds of programs enjoyed by all the residents there. His last presentation was only weeks before his passing. During his time at Watermark, he helped start the Building and Grounds Committee, and served as chair, He served three terms as President of the Resident Council, started a booklet called Facepages, presented Hot Topics from the McCarthy Observatory, and started a Zoom chat for residents when Covid hit. He always very much looked forward to the weekly Zoom chats, which have continued post Covid.

Dr. Moreland was a loving husband and father, scientist, and tireless volunteer whose curiosity, generosity, and leadership enriched every community he touched. Burial will be private. A celebration of life service will be held at the Watermark, 611 East Hill Rd, Southbury, CT on January 5, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM.

Memorial donations can be made to the John J. McCarthy Observatory https://www.mccarthyobservatory.org/donate/

Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Full obituary can be found at http://www.munsonlovefuneralhome.com