Robert 'Bob' Crawford, dedicated public servant
Robert G. "Bob" Crawford, 81, of Rehoboth Beach, formerly of Rosemont, Pa., passed away Sunday, June 23, 2013, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. Mr. Crawford was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., June 6, 1932, son of the late Edgar and Clara (Gallupe) Crawford. He was also predeceased by a brother, Edgar Crawford; and sister Janet Ryan.
After his service in the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Crawford spent a lifelong career as a dedicated public servant, serving as a police officer with the Radnor Township Police Department. He also worked at Sears in King of Prussia, Pa. before and after his retirement from police service on a part-time basis.
Mr. Crawford was faithful parishioner to St. Edmond Catholic Church where he served as usher. He was also a member of the VFW in Rehoboth Beach where he enjoyed the company of his vodka martini friends.
Since his early childhood years he and his family went to the beach area where he finally was able to retire on a full time basis. Nearly every day he could be found on the beach enjoying the sights and sounds of the shore. He was an active golf and tennis player and especially enjoyed his friends at the Marsh Island Golf Course.
In his spare time, reading history books and detective stories were of great interest to him. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 55 years, Christine, who was the love of his life and brought him great joy. He would do anything to be with her, and they very much liked biking, taking walks, traveling and crabbing - just because she loved to eat them.
He is survived by his wife Christine Ballone Crawford; son Robert A. Crawford and wife Robin of Villanova, Pa.; daughter Diane M. Amedei and husband Tony of Naperville, Ill.; and six grandchildren, Alyssa, Lindsay, Anthony, Kara, Molly and Nicole.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 27, at St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach, where friends may call at the church one hour prior to services. Burial with military honors will be at 11 a.m., Friday June 28, at St. Augustine Cemetery, 202 DeKalb Pike, Montgomery Township, Pa.
In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to the Tunnell Cancer Center, c/o Beebe Medical Foundation, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958. Arrangements are by Parsell Funeral Homes, Lewes.
