Laurence W. Craley

Laurence W. "Larry" Craley, age 85, passed away peacefully of natural causes on January 28, 2026, at his home in Ephrata, PA. Born on November 17, 1940, in Montrose Manor, PA. He was the son of the late Paul W. and Edith (Bachman) Craley. Larry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many.

Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Gloria M. (Krick) Craley, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and cherished memories in their 65 plus years of marriage. He was a loving father to his children: Candace C. (Craley) Wischum and her husband John G. Wischum, Randall P. Craley and his wife Lorrie (Lipshutz), and Kevin C. Craley and his wife Sharon (Richard) and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

His legacy extends through his grandchildren: Kaitlyn (Wischum) Price and her husband Daniel, Brittany (Kronstadt) Barbieri and her husband Andrew, Alex Kronstadt and his wife Lorna (O' Dougherty), Sean Wischum and his wife Trysha (Hartman), Julene Craley and her husband Matthew Tran, Keith Craley and his wife Katelyn (Fisher), and Louis Craley, and his wife Bonnie (Hager) Craley and Christopher White.

Larry was also blessed with nine great-grandsons who brought him immense joy: Everett, Colin, Nolan, Patrick, Myles, Theodore, Kieran, Sawyer and Cameron.

Larry was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Jayneann (Keithline) Craley, granddaughter, Erinn (Wischum) White, brother Paul and sister-in-law Grace, sister Doris and brother-in-law Larry all who held  special places in his heart.

An alumnus of Governor Mifflin, Larry's work ethic and dedication were evident throughout his career. He was a respected employee at Sears, Rockwell, Porter Cable, Blue Ball Machine, Wood Workers World, Olde Country Connection, American Restoration and Patriotic Order Sons of America.

A man of faith he was a current member of Allegheny Evg. Lutheran Church in Mohnton. During his lifetime he was a consistory and choir member and Sunday school teacher. Larry's Christian beliefs guided him throughout his life and provided comfort and strength in his final days.

His hobbies included baseball, music, woodworking, painting gourds, and was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan.

Larry's interests extended into his community; having been a dedicated member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America Washington Camp 211 for 36 years where he was known for his generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand serving as National Secretary of the Order and was awarded Berks County and Pennsylvania State Man of the Year as well as a Life Time Patriot award.

There will be two Memorial Services for Larry.  The first service will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at the Ephrata Manor Chapel, 99 Bethany Road, Ephrata, PA 17522.  This service is for guest of the Manor and any relatives or friends that wish to attend are welcome too.  A second Memorial Service will be held at Larry's church, Allegheny Lutheran Church, 1327 Alleghenyville Road, Mohnton, PA 19540, on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 1:00 PM and is open to the public as well.  There will be an opportunity to greet the family to offer your condolences from 12:00 noon until 1:00 P.M. on Friday at the church.  All family members will be at the church service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to:

Ephrata Manor Benevolent Fund, 99 Bethany Rd, Ephrata, PA 17522

Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Memorial Fund, 1327 Alleghenyville Rd, Mohnton, PA 19540

POS of A Members Assistance, 240 South Centre Ave, Leesport, PA 19533

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