Willard John Wanamaker Jr., 70, of New Tripoli, died April 2, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Debra A. (Merkel-Haldeman) Wanamaker to whom he was married 46 years. Born in Perkiomenville, Jan. 20, 1956, he was the son of the late Willard J. Wanamaker, Sr. and Esther Julia (Nagle) Wanamaker.

He was employed as a rural carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in New Tripoli for 42 years before retiring in 2016. He was honored to be a member of the Million Mile Club for safety with the U.S. Postal Service. Prior to that, he was a heavy equipment operator for Eastern Industries in Kutztown for nine years. Since his formal retirement he was the warehouse supervisor for Responsible Recycling Services in Kutztown for nine years.

Active in the life of his community, he was past president of the N.Y.A.A. where he also coached baseball, softball, soccer and football. He served on the Northwestern Recreation Board of Directors, the Lynn Township Zoning Board and the Sewer Authority. He was also a life member and former firefighter for Community Fire Co. of New Tripoli and a first responder volunteer for the former Northwestern Ambulance Corps.

In addition to his wife, Debi, he is survived by his children, Christopher M. Wanamaker and LeDonne of Kutztown, Jamie Esther Wanamaker-Popp and Jason of New Tripoli, Emily A. Wanamaker-Guth and Brett of Elizabeth, Colo., Holly K. Wanamaker-Sigley and Andrew of New Tripoli, and Taylor O. Wanamaker of New Tripoli; sisters Lynne P. Fritzinger and Glenn of Virginia, Esther J. Trexler and Keith Smith of Schnecksville; and grandchildren Kaelin, Colton John, Aiden, Samantha, and Ella.

He is predeceased by a beloved niece, Shelby Grace Brown.

A celebration of life was held April 9, at the Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville with the Rev. Scott L. Shay officiating. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel To Towers Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and/or Community Fire Co. of New Tripoli all in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.