Obituaries
RIP Harold A. Parker, Rush and Parker Construction
The 85-year-old Collingswood native helped grow a construction business, was a volunteer firefighter, and is survived by 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren
A Collingswood native who built a heavy construction equipment business over the course of his lifetime has passed at age 85.
Harold A. Parker was born and raised in Collingswood, and helped grow his father's business, Rush and Parker, Inc., in nearby Mt. Ephraim, when it was founded in 1965, according to a remembrance published in Construction Equipment Guide:
"When asked what he did for a living, Mr. Parker had a mantra — 'We buy, sell, rent and repair heavy construction equipment.' And that is what he did for a large majority of his life," the Guide noted.
Four years after the establishment of the company—of which he eventually became owner-operator—Parker moved to Folsom, NJ, where he eventually held office on the borough council of that town and served on its Shade Tree Commission.
Parker was also a volunteer firefighter in Folsom and worked with the Atlantic County Fire Police. He was a member of the Folsom Republican Club, the Collings Lakes Civic Association, and a mason at Melita Lodge #295.
Parker was predeceased by his son Michael Scott Parker; parents Harold Sr. and Alva Parker; and sister Nancy Taraschi, according to the Guide. He is survived by wife Martha Jane (nee Helzer), children Scott Harold Parker (Barbara) of Bellmawr, N.J.; James Roseberry (Nicol) of Moultonbourgh, N.H.; Sharon McKnight of Blackwood, N.J.; Janel Roseberry of Lake Gilman, N.J.; Jennifer Calabria (Joseph) of Dingman's Ferry, Pa.; and Jayme O'Neill (Thomas) of Pitman, N.J.
Parker died October 6, leaving behind a legacy of 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well.
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