Philip Russell Parker, 80, of Blossburg, PA, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Born on Friday, March 1, 1946, in Wellsboro, PA, he was the son of Philip W. Parker and Lena “Peg” (Young) Parker.
At the age of 17, Philip enlisted in the United States Navy on June 28, 1963. He was stationed at Norfolk, VA, and served aboard the USS Independence (CV-62) in Hangar Deck Control Division. During his military service, he traveled to 22 countries and proudly served his nation as a Vietnam War veteran. Philip was deeply proud of his military service and finished his service at Naval Air Station Kingsville in Kingsville, TX and was honorably discharged on March 1, 1967.
Following his military service, Philip worked as a mechanic for the A&P Plant in Horseheads, NY, from 1967 until the plant’s closure in 1982. He then joined Keystone Manufacturing in Covington, PA, where he operated CNC machinery. In 1988, he began working for Ward Manufacturing as a mechanic and retired after 29 years of dedicated service.
On May 31, 1969, Philip married the love of his life, Diane Stanton. Together they shared 45 years of marriage until her passing on December 3, 2014.
Philip was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), both in Blossburg, PA. He was also a member of the Arnot Sportsmen’s Club in Arnot, PA, and the Hillside Rod and Gun Club in Blossburg, PA. He enjoyed fishing, camping, boating on the lake in his pontoon boat, and sharing stories about his time in the Navy.
Philip is survived by his daughter, Melissa (Mike) Ford of Corning, NY; his son, Christopher Parker of Blossburg, PA; Christopher’s companion, Andrea Butler, and her children, Olivia, Brooke, and Jake Burrows; four grandchildren, Lauren Ford of Dallas, TX, Jason Ford and Ethan Ford of Corning, NY, and Kaela (Darcy) Litzelman of Liberty, PA; two great-grandchildren, Lukas and Grace Litzelman; His dear cousin and lifelong friend George Parker of Antrim, PA; brother-in-law Kenny Nickerson of Liberty, PA; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, Diane, Philip was preceded in death by his parents, Philip W. Parker and Lena “Peg” (Young) Parker; his sister, Helen Nickerson of Liberty, PA; and his nephew, Roger Black of Blossburg, PA.
Philip will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his pride in serving his country, and his love of the outdoors.
At Philip’s request, there will be no public services. Arrangements are being handled privately by the family.
