Walter A. "Sam" Cressman

     Walter A. “Sam” Cressman, age 83, of New Bethlehem, passed away Thursday evening, May 16, 2019 at his home following an illness.

     Born June 9, 1935 in Lansdale, Montgomery County, he was the youngest of five children born to the late James and Mildred Wilson Cressman.  He was raised by his foster parents, the late William and Mary “Ruth” Morton.

     He graduated from Lansdale High School in 1954 and joined the United States Marine Corps.

     Following his discharge in 1957, Sam started work in the drafting department of Link-Belt in Lansdale.

     On April 10, 1958 in the First Baptist Church of New Bethlehem, he married the former Harriet Freeman and she survives.

     Sam worked for the PA Game Farm, Knights Life Insurance Company and Bish’s Dairy before starting his own building and remodeling business, Cressman Contracting, in 1969. He operated the contracting business until retiring in 2012.

     He was a member of the First Baptist Church of New Bethlehem, was a past member and president of the New Bethlehem Lions Club and was instrumental in organizing the Redbank Valley Volunteer Ambulance Company from its inception.

     Sam was an avid hunter and sports fan and a huge Penn State fan.

     Survivors include his wife, Harriet; two sons:  Scott Cressman of DuBois and Brian Cressman and Shari Reed of New Bethlehem; seven grandchildren:  Colby Cressman (Stephanie); Brooke Clinger (Doug); Chelsey Davenport (Kodie); Ty Cressman, Carli Cressman, Tabitha Cressman and Timberly Cressman.

     Sam is also survived by six great grandchildren; Gabe, Gannon, Gradie, Briar, Harleigh and Maleah.

     In addition to his parents and foster parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Mark Cressman, in 1967; three brothers and two sisters, including William Morton and his wife, Naomi.

     Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, May 19, 2019 at the Rupert Funeral Home and Cremation Service chapel, 233 Penn Street, New Bethlehem.

    Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2019 in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Don Dininny, pastor of the First Baptist Church of New Bethlehem, officiating over the services.

     Interment will follow in the New Bethlehem Cemetery.

    Memorial contributions may be given in the name of Walter A. Cressman to the Redbank Valley Public Library, 720 Broad Street, New Bethlehem, PA  16242 or to the Redbank Valley Community Center, 430 Broad Street, New Bethlehem, PA  16242.

     Online condolences may be sent to Sam’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com

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