Gorham Town Manager Ephrem Paraschak is back to work after a leave of absence, splitting his time working remotely from home and his office in Gorham. His father, Rick Paraschak, 66, of Naples passed away on March 29 due to complications from COVID-19. He was one of the first Mainers to be publicly identified.
“Losing a family member in any situation is a horrible experience,” he wrote. “However, the complications caused by the virus which does not allow you to see your loved one in person, or your other family members who are grieving, is by itself an incredibly unnerving situation.”
Ephrem can’t say for certain where or when his father was exposed to the virus. Rick recently returned home from a trade show in Las Vegas after celebrating his birthday. Within a week, he began showing symptoms and tested positive. His condition deteriorated quickly despite having no underlying health conditions.
As a 25-year veteran EMT and firefighter with the Naples Fire Department, Rick was aware that medical professionals, first responders, and healthcare workers face an uphill battle with limited resources. According to Ephrem, one of his father’s final acts of helping and protecting his family was to stay home as soon as he became symptomatic. In the end, it was Rick’s peers from the Naples Fire Department who transported him to the hospital.
Rick was a long-time employee of the Maine Department of Transportation and also owned his own excavation business, Earth Solutions. He was an active volunteer with the Naples Fire Department, Evergreen Credit Union Board of Directors, SAD 61 School Board, Naples Board of Selectmen, and Naples Planning Board.
Photo courtesy of Ephrem ParaschakEphrem Paraschak (left) and his father Rick (right) served together on the Naples Fire Department.
Inspired by his mother, Adele Joy Jones, a retired paramedic firefighter for the Town of Scarborough, and his father, Ephrem joined the Naples Fire Department. He is currently a Captain with 14 years of service.
“My father was a strong advocate of call company fire departments also working as service organizations for the public benefit beyond their normal role of providing public safety,” he wrote. “In part to serve the public and to also keep department members active through group projects and activities as a means to maintain, or increase, the shrinking ranks of firefighters in Maine.”
With encouragement from his father, Ephrem pursued a career in Town Management. Rick was his anchor with sound advice during times of stress.
Rick grew up in Williamstown, New Jersey and settled in Naples in 1987, where he raised Ephrem and his sister, Esther. His partner of 20 years, Marian Rabe of Bridgton, is “devastated but in good health.”
Ephrem and his wife are expecting their first child in May. Rick was excited to meet his first grandson and would frequently talk about the baby.
“After thinking about memories for a bit, I think one of the most memorable traits of my father (other than being one of the most caring and supportive fathers I can imagine) was that he was incredibly driven,” Ephrem wrote. “But more importantly, he wanted to help other people achieve their potential. From mentoring young firefighters to helping friends and the community with projects, he was always looking to help people bring out the best in themselves.”
The Paraschak family is grateful to the staff at Central Maine Medical Center ICU for the care they provided to Rick, and allowing them to see him through an iPad during his final days.
“I ask that everyone please support our medical professionals from our first responders to healthcare workers wherever possible,” he wrote. “Throughout this pandemic they have never once failed to answer the call and truly are local heroes.”