Charles Parker

Parker, Charles Joseph - "CJ"

March 20, 1996 - March 21, 2019

Charles Joseph Parker (more commonly known and loved as "CJ"), 23, passed away unexpectedly on March 21, 2019. No longer confined by this physical plane, there will be no limit to the adventures that await this amazing young man in the next stage of his existence. One of his first adventures might be attending the opening day game for the Philadelphia Phillies, all to see his idol: Bryce Harper. More likely, he will spend a long time embracing the two people in the world he missed daily: his mother, Kathleen (Casey) Parker and his sister, Amy (Parker) Rotkiske, both having passed well before their times as well.
CJ was born in West Reading, PA on March 20, 1996, into a world that would greet him with many challenges due to a physical disability as well as a few medical conditions that only the strongest person could endure; his will to fight and to endure led him to become one of the gentlest souls that ever walked this earth.

CJ was an avid sports fan, loving and knowing every detail (literally EVERY DETAIL) of baseball, hockey, football and soccer. He was especially passionate about his beloved Phillies, Flyers, Eagles and 76ers. CJ's fandom didn't stop at just watching sports, he enjoyed playing them as well. Throughout his school years and adult years, CJ had played baseball, soccer and indoor hockey, perceived physical disability be damned; he played with the same tenacity and drive as his teammates, always striving to be the best. CJ's near obsession with anything sports related allowed him to easily slip into an assistant manager role at Lids, allowing him to show others his knowledge of the various games and their best players; both of his experiences as a player and his recent employment allowed him to form many solid friendships during those times.

CJ is survived by his father, Charles Parker, his father's fiancAC.e, Stephanie Kay (who loved him as if he were her own son), and his sister, Jennifer Parker. CJ is also survived by his nieces as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins that loved him so very much.
The greatest love of CJ's life was for his girlfriend/"Wifey", Lexy Renken; in his eyes, she could do no wrong. The two of them were next-to-nearly inseparable. The love the two had between them was completely undeniable, and their bond will be everlasting.

At this time, we have discussed the idea of a traditional service, but we did not feel that is something CJ would have wanted; "Smell" would have wanted us to get together to share memories and laughs, not uncontrollable tears. A memorial benefit organized for CJ (and sponsored by his father's employer) will be held at the FOP Lodge 5 (11630 Caroline Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19154) on Thursday April 25, 2019 at 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. An additional gathering to celebrate the life of CJ is still being organized by CJ's sister, with details to follow.