Parker David Rhinesmith

Parker David Rhinesmith of Butler, NJ, passed away on January 12th, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born December 17, 1944 to Parker Ashley and Beatrice (Hardy) Rhinesmith in Paterson, NJ. He was a proud member of the first graduating class of West Milford High School of 1963, and then joined the National Guard. He went on to work for Shop Rite supermarkets and liquors. He then became the proud owner of Walek's Wines and Liquors. He retired from Ronetco (Shop Rite) in 2018. Parker was married to his loving wife, Susan (Walek) for over 53 years. They were longtime residents of Butler, NJ for 46 years. He was past president of the New Jersey Liquor Store Association, a proud member of The Butler Rotary and a soccer coach for his daughters. He loved history and had a great passion for the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, and was an avid Yankees and Giants fan. His passion for plays, traveling across the United States and Europe, spending time on the Rhine River in Germany discovering his roots, and his many family vacations in Wildwood, playing "Fascination" and sleeping at Manasquan beach. Parker loved music and would sing along to Sonny and Cher, Stevie Nicks, and The Righteous Brothers, but his favorite song was John Lennon's "Imagine," by which he lived his life. Parker is survived by his wife, Susan (Walek), their two loving daughters, Kim and her husband Brett Boon of Butler, Traci and her husband Ken Laney of Little Egg Harbor, and beloved grandchildren, Brett Parker and Ryan Boon, and Dylan and Mackenzi Laney. He is also survived by his two sisters, Beverly Esposito and Marie and her husband Daniel Mahler, and treasured nieces, nephews, and cousins. A private cremation followed by a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Parker's memory to the Tri-Boro First Aid Squad Inc., P.O. Box 222, Butler, New Jersey 07405. www.triborofirstandsquad.org or the Paper Mill Playhouse 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ 07041. www.papermillplayhouse.org .