Laurence W. Craley
OBITUARY
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.
Relatives and Friends are invited to attend his Memorial Services on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at the Ephrata Manor Chapel, 99 Bethany Road, Ephrata, PA 17522 and/or on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at the Allegheny Lutheran Church, 1327 Alleghenyville Road, Mohnton, PA 19540. Friends may call on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 12:00 noon to greet the family until the start of the service.
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.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Giles & Yeckley Funeral Home and Crematorium, Inc. of Mohnton. To offer the family online condolences, please visit us at www.gilesandyeckley.com.