Robert B. Parsons, 81, formerly of Nottingham Road, Syracuse, died Saturday. Born in Albany, he lived in the Syracuse area most of his life. He graduated from Ithaca College of Music, was a musician and piano tuner and a 50-year member of Rockefeller United Methodist Church in Syracuse.

Survivors: His wife, the former Ruth Haffenden; a daughter, Laurel J. Platt of Vienna, Va.; two sons, John R. of Cumberland, Md., and Stuart B. of Loveland, Ohio; a stepdaughter, Dorothy L. Frid of Cadillac, Mich.; two stepsons, John E. Stillman of Princeton, N.J., and David G. Stillman of Hastings-on-Hudson; a sister, Eleanor Wayman of Kissimmee, Fla.; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild.

Services: 2 p.m. today in Rockefeller United Methodist Church. Burial, Oakwood Cemetery. Calling hour, 1 to 2 p.m. today at the church, 350 Nottingham Road. Falardeau Funeral Home, Baldwinsville, has arrangements.

Contributions: Rockefeller United Methodist Church, 350 Nottingham Road, Syracuse 13210.