ROGER L. PARSONS, class of 1975, of Williamsburg, passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2011. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Annette Zarelli Parsons, his daughter, Annie Parsons Kyriakides (Steven), and his son, Michael Parsons. He is also survived by his siblings, Cathie Szemere (Barry), David Parsons (Miriam), Chris Parsons (Colleen), Eric Parsons (Diana), along with numerous nephews, nieces, and a large extended family.
Roger was born on November 11, 1953, in Glen Cove, New York to Byron Louis Parsons and Mary Jaeger Parsons. After graduating from SUNY Maritime College in 1975, Roger was commissioned into the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). After 32 years in the officer corps, he retired with the rank of Captain and returned to NOAA in a civilian position. Among his many roles, he served as captain of the NOAA Ship RONALD H. BROWN, was the U.S. National Hydrographer and U.S. representative to the International Hydrographic Organization, as well as Chief of Staff of the National Incidence Command tasked with coordinating efforts during the recent BP oil crisis, and was appointed to the Board of the National Association of Uniformed Services. His most recent position was the Coordinator of Integrated Ocean and Coastal Mapping.
FMSAA