LACEY – John C. Parker, a lifelong resident of Forked River and a pivotal figure in Lacey Township, passed away on August 22, 2024, at the age of 88. His passing marks the end of an era for the Parker family, who have been influential in Ocean County since the 1700s.
“It’s a sad day for Lacey,” said Mayor Peggy Sue Juliano. “John was a great man who gave a lot to this town, and I want his family to find comfort in knowing that we all share in his loss.”
Township Administrator Veronica Laureigh referred to Parker as a legend and said his passing represented the end of a dynasty within the community.
Parker was deeply involved in the fabric of Lacey Township, serving as mayor on six separate occasions, including for the town’s centennial in 1971 and its 125th anniversary in 1996. In 2021, Parker was honored as the town’s honorary mayor during its 150th-anniversary celebration.
According to his obituary, Parker was born on February 28, 1936, and attended the local two-room schoolhouse, now known as the Old Schoolhouse Museum. After graduating from the University of Maryland in 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Scully, and together they raised three children in their hometown. Parker also became a grandfather to seven and a great-grandfather to three.
Parker played a crucial role in establishing the Lacey Township Police Department, where he rose from officer to sergeant, as noted in his obituary. He also held leadership positions on the township’s zoning and planning boards and was an active member of the Ocean County and Lacey Township Historical Societies. Recognized for his dedication to preserving local history, Parker was named Lacey Township’s first historian.
Beyond local government, Parker’s obituary highlights his long tenure as chairman of the Ocean County Utilities Authority, where he served for over 40 years, and his involvement with the Ocean County Finance Team. His business ventures were also noteworthy, as he led multiple companies, including Parker Associates and South Jersey Oil Company.
Parker remained a vibrant part of the community in the last years of his life, sharing his stories during a series of fireside chats commemorating Lacey’s 150th anniversary. His recollections of a time before the Garden State Parkway and Oyster Creek Generating Station captivated audiences, offering a window into a bygone era. His remarks also reflected his own personal experiences, including his involvement in student government and sports as a high school athlete.
According to the obituary, Parker was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Ruth I. Parker, his sister, Betty Jean Miller, and son-in-law, Richard Anderson. He is survived by his children, Casey Parker, Cindy Anderson, and Tammy Russell, along with seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Riggs Funeral Home in Forked River. Funeral services will take place the following day at 11 a.m. at Lacey United Methodist Church, with burial at Good Luck Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Parker’s memory to the Popcorn Park Zoo in Forked River.
