Frederick Parker "Skip" Banyard

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Celebrating the life of
Frederick Parker "Skip" BanyardAugust 15, 1933 - July 14, 2016

SAVANNAH – Frederick Parker (“Skip”) Banyard, born in Neptune, New Jersey and faithful servant and friend to all that had the pleasure of his acquaintance, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ yesterday morning, July 14, 2016 in Savannah, GA. Devoted husband to Doris for more than 60 years, Skip spent his entire life in the service of his country, his family, his community, and his faith. With honor, humility and a never-ending dedication, Skip filled his long life with accomplishments whose impacts resonated not only with both those he worked with, but with anyone who had the great fortune of crossing his path. A graduate of Ridley College preparatory school located in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada (class of 1952), Skip attended Princeton University, graduating in 1956 with a degree in Economics. Skip then enlisted in the United States Army later in 1956 and was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey and was honorably discharged in 1958. It was while he attended Princeton that fate and divine intervention brought him together with the former Doris Juanita Mucciolo, the love of his life, while working during the summer as a lifeguard at the Lido Beach Club on Long Island, NY with Doris as a waitress/server. Following graduation from Princeton in 1956, with a degree in Economics, Skip married Doris on June 29, 1956 in New York City. Recognized early on for his keen analytical skill and gift for numbers, Skip attended New York University at night for a Masters of Business Administration between 1960 and 1963, and subsequently became a Certified Public Accountant in 1963, setting forth a long and distinguished career as a CPA, Commercial Banker, and Chief Financial Officer. After leaving Price Waterhouse and New York City in 1973 for greener pastures, Skip joined Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh, PA as Assistant Comptroller. It was this introduction to banking that led Skip to Bethlehem, PA and First Valley Bank in 1978, where he joined as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and helped turn the failing bank around and led it to prosperity and growth, being promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 1985. After First Valley Bank was purchased by United Jersey Banks (UJB) in 1987, Skip continued his career at UJB until his retirement in the mid-1990s. While in Bethlehem, Skip faithfully and expertly served his community a member of the Board of Directors for local chapters of the YMCA and the Financial Executives Institute (FEI). A man of varied interests, one of Skip’s keenest passions was playing tennis, which helped lead him and Doris to Savannah in 1999. A lover of yardwork, crossword puzzles, and tennis, Skip remained steadfastly positive in his outlook, playing doubles several times a week until his early 80s. Many times Skip would come home from tennis and never make it into the house, working in the yard for several more hours. His dedication to his wife and family was exceptional; he quietly and consistently provided his entire life, and never demanded anything in return. He led by example and instilled an extraordinary work ethic in his children and all he touched. He and Doris opened their home to Doris’ mother and aunt, not once, but twice, out of love and generosity; caring for them through their retirement years. His presence, dedication, and consistency stayed with you and his memory will enrich all of us forever. Of particular thanks in their tender and meticulous care for him in recent months, the family is particularly thankful for the neighbors of Sundew Road, Karen and Gary Hickman, the Schneiders, Betty Myers, as well as the extraordinary and kind care givers at Hospice Savannah. They are a gift to us.

Skip is survived by his wife Doris; brother Richard Otis Banyard and sister-in-law Sharon Croydon Banyard; children Linda Jane Theresa Banyard Higginbotham, Leslie Frederick James Banyard II, and Jonathan Parker Michael Banyard; niece Kimberly Marie Knapp and nephew Charles Edward Banyard; grandchildren Julia Marie Higginbotham Engel and Claire Fox Higginbotham Speer, Leslie Frederick (Skip) Banyard III, Kyle Fitzgerald Banyard, Jennifer Louise Banyard, Frederick Parker Banyard II (Parker); and daughters-in-law Nancy Fitzgerald Nealon Banyard and Kimberly Ann Brackett Banyard. A Memorial Service will be held 3:00 p.m., Sunday, July 17, 2016 at St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Savannah. Interment will be private.

Memorial donations can be sent to Hospice Savannah, 1352 Eisenhower Parkway, Savannah, GA 31406.

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My thoughts and prayers to the Banyard Family. Skip hired me in 1984 to become part of the First Valley Team. He was a great leader, teacher and mentor to me. I often recall the late nights working and talking with him. I feel very fortunate that I was a small part of Skip's life and that he was part of mine.

- Lew Critelli, Honesdale, PA

Dear Doris and family: I am sorry to learn of Skip's passing. He was a great friend, lunch and tennis partner and banking colleague. He helped make the team at First Valley an exceptional place to work. I often think of Skip and the memory of him will be held with great fondness and respect by all of us who knew him.

- Fred Cort, Punta Gorda, FL

My condolences to the Banyard family on the passing of your beloved. May Jehovah God grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28 [ to resurrect those who have been asleep in death] May fond memories of Frederick linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come.

- Henry , Lawrenceville , GA

Skip Banyard was a very kind and special man. Through many years I was able to spend time with him, both in Savannah and Minnesota. He leaves a wonderful family and many grandchildren.He will be greatly missed. I send my blessings to Doris.

- Ann Brackett, Wayzata, , MN

Doris, my loving thoughts are with you all----- Betty

- Betty Kropack, Templestowe, Victoria, Australia,

Aunt Doris, Linda, Leslie, and Jonathan.......I want you to know how much Uncle Skip meant to me. He really was like a father to me. I'll miss him so very much. You have my sincere condolences. God Bless

- Gregory Smith, Montvale, NJ

Doris, Tom and I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry that we are not in Savannah to come to the Memorial Service. We plan to be back in August and will be by to give you a hug. Sincerely, Linda Whittaker

- Linda Whittaker, Knoxville, TN

You are in our thoughts and prayers!! Love, Nate, Maureen and the Brackett babies

- Nate and Maureen Brackett, Elkhorn , Ne