Eugene “Crete” Crawford, 72, of Bennett Dr., Ellwood City (North Sewickley Twp.) died Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at his residence. Although in ill health, death was unexpected.
Born October 13, 1942 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Eugene “Curly” Crawford and Betty J. Houk Crawford of Beaver Falls. He was married for 42 years to Patty Biega Crawford who survives. They were married on May 27, 1972.
Crete worked for 40 years at Ellwood City Ledger, retiring in 2006 as the circulation director. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1960 and then served with the US Navy in Pensacola Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was well known as a people person having owned the Shelby Bar for 15 years and most recently the New Deal Bar for 9 years. He was an avid bowler, having been inducted in the Lawrence County Bowler’s Hall of Fame. He bowled in leagues in both Lawrence and Beaver County. Crete loved animals. His most cherished time was spent with his family especially his grandchildren.
In addition to his mother, Betty, and wife, Patty, survivors include two sons, Eric (Anna) Thompson of Ellwood City, Jason (Amy) Crawford of Rochester; sister, Dottie (John) Boots of New Brighton; and four grandchildren, Devin and Luca Thompson and Jace and Zane Crawford.
He was preceded in death by father in 1969 and his, father in law, Walter Biega in 1983 and mother in law, Gena “Jean” Biega in 2000.
Visiting hours will be held Saturday November 29 from 1 pm until the time of the funeral service at 7 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City.
Pastor Phil Conklin of the First Church of God will officiate.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Beaver County Humane Society,3394 Brodhead Road in Center Township, PA 15001.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.
So sorry to hear of Crete’s passing. My condolences to Patty and family.
What a wonderful, kind, generous man! He was an amazing friend & the best boss I’ve had in 40+ years in the work force. He will be missed by everyone with whom he came in contact. My sincerest sympathies to Betty, Patty, Eric, Jason, grandchildren, & exteded family…you’re in my prayers.
So sorry for your loss…Thoughts and prayers to you and your family…
I am very sorry to hear of Crete’s passing. Crete was a very nice person to me as a kid growing up, and even employed me to shovel the snow off the sidewalk around the Shelby Bar when I was a young. I will never forget Crete’s compassion for my family in times of need. He was a great man.
Eric, Jason, Patty, & Family,
My deepest condolences on your loss. I was fortunate to have known Crete for 30+ years and he was one of the most kind, caring, and funniest people I have ever met. He was one of those rare individuals who made an impact on everybody he touched. In my younger days as his teammate he taught me a lot about sportsmanship and class, both qualities that came very naturally to him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this extremely difficult time.
Our Sympathy and Prayers for Patty and family at this difficult time.
Patty & family,,,,fond memories of working many years with Crete and you too Patty. Sorry to hear about his passing,I will say a special prayer for him.
I spent time with Crete as a young boy on College St. I also would stop and see him at both bars when I was back in Ellwood City. I always thought that he grew up to be a fine person. To his mother Betty who kept an eye on us growing up and his family. I send my sad regrets at this time of sorrow.
Louis Straw