Dale William Parker

Dale William Parker, 85, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, at Kirkland Village in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Born September 6, 1940, in Reading, PA, to Harry and Ruth (Walmer) Parker, Dale demonstrated a strong work ethic from a young age-hauling baskets in his wagon for customers at the Reading Farmer's Market and setting pins at the local bowling alley. He graduated from Penn State University in 1962 with a degree in Chemical Engineering and was a member of Triangle Fraternity. His career began that same year with Bell Telephone in Harrisburg, PA. before joining Packard Electric in Warren, Ohio. In Warren, he became a member of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. On March 23, 1963, Dale married Jennet Ellen Cramer, beginning a partnership that spanned over 60 years. Together they built a loving home centered on faith, family, and service. After moving to East Stroudsburg, PA, in 1966, they raised six children and created a life of laughter, learning, and adventure. Family camping trips to national and state parks became cherished memories. While raising a family, Dale dedicated himself to his career at Cramer's Home Centers, where he worked for 30 years. He earned his MBA from Lehigh University while serving as Store Manager and later held roles as Buyer and Vice President of Operations. Dale instituted a purchasing program that greatly improved cash flow for the company and developed Service Excellence, a training initiative that fostered a culture of customer care. Dale represented Cramer's in the Eastern Building Material Dealers Association and the Lumberman's Merchandising Corporation. Locally, he served on the East Stroudsburg associate board of Northeastern Bank (later PNC Bank) and on the boards of Faith Christian School in Roseto, the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Stroudsburg, and Tuscarora Resource Center in Mt. Bethel. A steadfast supporter of United Way, Dale also co-chaired an annual campaign. He was a longtime resident, and former President at Analomink Lake and a volunteer leader for his sons' Boy Scout Troop 83, reflecting his belief in community and mentorship. A man of deep and thoughtful faith, Dale was a longtime member of Middle Smithfield Presbyterian Church, where he taught Sunday School, served on the Session, sang in the choir, and helped in countless other ways. At Kirkland Village, he joined the Joyful Singers and a book club and, with Jennet, became a member of Grace Church in Bethlehem, where he lived his faith with humility, curiosity, and joy. He and Jennet wintered in Green Valley, AZ, for 25 years, where Dale joined the local hiking club and maintained his lifelong habit of daily walks. He enjoyed weekly men's Bible studies at Northminster and Valley Presbyterian churches and bowling with friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jennet, and their six children: William (Lani) Parker of Foxborough, MA; John (Anne) Parker of Chardon, OH; David (Amanda) Parker of Stroud Township; James (Siu) Parker of Chantilly, VA; Linda (John) O'Donovan of Pearl River, NY; and Joan Parker Miller of Raleigh, NC. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas (Joyce) Parker of Willow Street; sister, Linda (Art) Heilman of Hummelstown; brother-in-law, William (Barbara) Cramer of Stroudsburg; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was a devoted grandfather to Janna, Randall, Shawna, Jessica, Ashley, Maria, Hannah, Zachary, Lia, Emma, Christopher, Eva, Gabriella, Hailey, Isabelle, and seven great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for his steadfast faith, integrity, wisdom, and devotion to family and community. He led by quiet example-living what he believed, thinking deeply, loving generously, and walking humbly with God. There will be visitation at the William H. Clark Funeral Home, 1003 Main St., Stroudsburg on Thursday, October 9th from 3:00-6:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday October 10th at 11:00 AM at Grace Church Bethlehem, 4301 Hecktown Rd., Bethlehem. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Dale's memory to Grace Church Bethlehem 4301 Hecktown Rd Bethlehem, PA 18020, Middle Smithfield Evangelical Presbyterian Church 5205 Milford Rd East Stroudsburg, PA 18302, or the East Stroudsburg Corps of The Salvation Army 226 Washington St. East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.