A Celebration of the Life of Peter Parkas

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16

Peter Parkas was born March 9, 1954 and died at age 63 on July 21, 2017. Peter’s life could never be defined by a beginning and an end.

Peter was quick to tell you about his life’s struggles as a teenager, husband and father, and his homelessness and drug addiction. However, he was unabashed and unapologetic in expressing his love for God and God’s power to transform a life, which makes his life a life to celebrate.

Peter served in the United States Air Force from 1974-1975 and received an honorable discharge. While homeless in Manhattan, he began reading the Bible and on November 12^th, 1984, he came to a saving faith in Jesus. He married Diann Sue Krevsky on August 2, 1987. God blessed them with four children. Peter loved his family and found joy in their love for him. He was funny, passionate, intense, and an incredible storyteller. He tried very hard to put effort into his relationships because they were important to him.

Peter had a bachelor’s degree in business from Baruch College, a master’s degree in intercultural studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Bible apologetics from Antioch Bible Baptist Seminary. Learning and teaching were two of his greatest passions, which he leaned into with full force, especially in the last decade of his life.

Peter was an ordained minister and an evangelist, and he applied a mission mindset to everything he did. His ability to talk with all kinds of people was amazing. Whether it was the down and out, or the well educated, he did not shy away from difficult conversations. Peter served as a vocational minister with Jews for Jesus from 1989-1995, Ariel Ministries from 1996-1999 and CJF Ministries from 2001 until his death.

In capsulizing Peter’s life, his family will always remember him for his passion for people and the gospel, and for his dedication to becoming a better man through every trial and chapter of his life.

One of Peter’s favorite verses captures perfectly his commitment to growing in the Lord day by day: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Peter is survived by his wife Diann, his four children Arielle Randle (David), Levi, Josiah, and Simone, his granddaughter Yael, his sister Dr. Valerie Kendler, and many more friends and loved ones.

The Funeral Service will be held on Monday 4 pm at the Grace Bible Church in Netcong with the Rev Neil Lines officiating. The interment with military honors will be held privately at the North New Jersey Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Sparta, at a later date. Arrangements are by the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com).