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Donald Edward Crutch

1951 - 2026

Donald Edward Crutch obituary, 1951-2026, Amherst, MA

BORN

1951

DIED

2026

FUNERAL HOME

Douglass Funeral Service

87 North Pleasant Street

Amherst, Massachusetts

Donald Crutch Obituary

Donald Edward Crutch

Amherst, MA - Donald Edward Crutch, 74, of Amherst, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026. He was born on June 27, 1951. Donald was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Harriet (Cooley) Crutch; his brother, Richard Crutch; and his sister, Avis Crutch.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years, Susan (Cowles) Crutch, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and family. Donald was a devoted father to his sons, Brian Crutch, of Amherst, and Matthew Crutch, and his wife Karli Sacco, of Hadley. Nothing brought Donald greater joy than being a grandfather to his cherished grandchildren: Laney, 16; Drew, 13; Griffin, 6; and Archer, 4, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Donald will be remembered for his quiet strength, deep devotion to his family, and the steady presence he provided to those who knew and loved him. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the family he so proudly supported.

Calling hours will be held on February 13, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 PM at Douglas Funeral Home. A Life Celebration will take place on February 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Andrews Greenhouse, 1184 South East Street, Amherst, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald's memory to Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Feb. 6, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Crutch

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6 Entries

Anne Mathieson

February 12, 2026

"old" South Amherst has lost another friend and neighbor. Rest in peace and peace for Susan. Know that we are here for you.

William & Jean Crossman

February 7, 2026

My deepest condolences to Donald's wife Susan and his sons Brian and Matthew.

Dow Holden

February 6, 2026

Sad news.
Sympathies to Sue & family.
I have many fond memories of Crutchy from my youth. Always treated me as a friend.

Gail and Les Kopinto

February 6, 2026

So sorry for your loss, Sue and family. A great friend to our family and a wonderful presence in our home as we all grew up together. Our best wishes of peace and comfort.

John F Edwards

February 6, 2026

Susan and family, so sorry to read this : (
For me, Donnie Crutch was "so Amherst" didn´t know him well, but he was so familiar to me, and we would always wave at one another, or if we ran into each other would shoot the breeze.

Always enjoyed observing his keeping the lawn tidy as well as his trucks, not a spot of dirt on them !

I hope all of your wonderful memories will help you guys in this difficult time

Bob McAllister

February 6, 2026

RIP Don. You were one of South Amherst's best.
Bob McAllister SR.

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Memorial Events
for Donald Crutch

Feb

13

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Douglass Funeral Service

87 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002

Feb

14

Celebration of Life

12:00 p.m.

South Amherst Congregational Church

1066 S. East St, Amherst, MA 01002

Funeral services provided by:

Douglass Funeral Service

87 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002

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