Craig F. Parker Sr. of Livingston, a long-time volunteer firefighter, police dispatcher, and township employee, died on Monday, February 25, at the age of 60.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 1, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home of Livingston. The funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, March 2, at 10:30 a.m. at Quinn-Hopping, officiated by Father Francisco Mendonca, chaplain for both the Livingston Police and Fire Departments.
Interment will immediately follow the funeral at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.
Full obituary information was not available as the Tribune went to press, and will be published in next week’s edition.
Police Chief Gary Marshuetz and Fire Chief Chris Mullin both issued statements in tribute to Mr. Parker, who worked in the township Water Department for 11 years, and as a dispatcher for the Livingston Police Department for 14 years. He was also a volunteer firefighter for 42 years.
“Good Guy Spirit”
By Fire Chief Chris Mullin
Craig – or “Parker,” as he was referred to in the firehouse, joined the Livingston Fire Department on September 7, 1976 and served up until his untimely death on February 25, 2019. Craig had served proudly as a member of Rescue Co. 1 at the Northfield firehouse and he held many ranks, including firefighter, Lieutenant, and Captain of the Rescue Company, as well as serving as a Department Deputy Fire Chief for six years, from January 2002 until January of 2008.
During his time on the Fire Department, Craig was a mentor to younger firefighters, as his life and fire experiences were passed down through his leadership on the command positions he held over the years. Craig had a dynamic wit and could recite events of the past, including fire incidents, dates and times, and the members on scene at the time of events.
During Craig’s time with the Fire Department he served as the secretary of the Livingston Exempt Firemen’s Association, tracking members’ attendance at conventions and required years to become an Exempt Fireman. Craig would also keep the Fire Chief updated on which members were accepted into the State Firemen’s Exempt Association during the year and would provide the certificates sent to him by the State to be presented to the member at our Annual Inspection Dinner. Craig made many positive contributions to the Livingston Fire Department and the Township of Livingston during his tenure, and our residents owe Craig and his family ...
