Frank Parker, star of Days of Our Lives, dies at 79

Frank Parker, best known for his role as grandfather Shawn Brady in Days of Our Lives, died last week in California after suffering from Parkinson's disease and dementia. He was 79 years old.

The actor died September 16 in Vacaville, his obituary published on Legacy.com read.

"Frank was a human person; he touched many lives and was loved by everyone. He could light up a room with his singing voice and was known to burst into the song at any time. He was a ham and loved the spotlight, "said his obituary.

Parker's decades-long career began in the 1960s and took off in the 1970s after appearing on several television shows, including "Gomer Pyle: USMC" and "Lost in Space".

In 1983, he landed the role of Shawn Brady in "Days of Our Lives" and stayed with the drama for 25 years. He retired in 2008 after the death of his character when he saved his son Bo by giving him his oxygen mask during a hijacking.

Parker has also appeared on several other soap operas such as "General Hospital" and "The Young and the Restless".

James Reynolds and Stephen Nichols, actors of Days of Our Lives, paid tribute to their co-star of social media.

"Rest in peace Frank Parker Good man Good actor. Best pop song in law So full of Blarney and Joy! A lot of love on your trip. #days @nbcdays, "Nichols subtitled a photo of him and Parker.

#FrankParker, #PaBrady loved to sing and with a smile would burst a song. RIP Frank! @nbcdays @DaysofourLives #TheBradys #Days @FremontCTheatre #YR #GH, tweeted Reynolds.

Wally Kurth, who also worked with Parker on "Days of Our Lives," tweeted, "This is sad news. I loved spending time with this man so much. It was a natural actor. Very credible – with a sparkle in the eyes that corresponds to his Irish style. RIP Frank.