HON. THOMAS M. CROWLEY

HON. THOMAS M. CROWLEY - BURLINGTON - Hon. Thomas M. Crowley, 77, a lifelong resident of Burlington and well known throughout the State of Vermont, died peacefully with loving family by his side on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013. Thomas was born in Burlington on Sept. 30, 1935, the son of G. Bernard and Ila Mae (McKenzie) Crowley. Tom graduated from Burlington High School in 1954, and from St. Michael's College in 1956. He was married in Winooski on Sept. 8, 1956, to Susan (McBride) Crowley of South Hero. Together, they raised five daughters. Tom served his country for eight years in the U.S. Army and Air National Guard. Tom became part owner and operated the family business, together with his brothers, at Crowley Insurance Agency. In 1966, he was elected to the Vermont State Senate serving Chittenden County and Vermonters for 24 years, where he became Dean of the Senate. He was a member and past president of the Conference of Insurance Legislators, as well as the Professional Insurance Agents of New England. One of Tom's greatest satisfactions came from helping so many young people with scholarships, job opportunities and appointments. He also served on many boards and committees including Fanny Allen Hospital Development, Burlington Police Commission, Champlain Valley Crime Stoppers and the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, just to name a few. Tom was still serving on the Vermont State Police Advisory Commission at the time of his death. In 1997, Gov. Howard Dean appointed him as Assistant Judge for Chittenden County, where he served proudly for many years. Early on he worked in the automobile business, and owned many antique cars which he enjoyed driving in parades in both South Hero and Williston. He also spent many years boating on Lake Champlain with his family, usually ending up on "Farnham's Island!" He once competed in waterskiing at the Burlington Waterama, taking 2nd place. He was a member of the Ethan Allen Club for many years. One of Tom's favorite pleasures was hanging out with the boys at the Rotisserie, The Pour House, and the St. John's Club. Tom is survived by his five daughters, Erin Charles, Stephanie Crowley, Lynn Mallow and husband, Marty, Allison Crowley DeMag and husband, Dave, and Colleen Crowley; their mother, Sue Crowley; grandchildren, Jennifer, Carolynn, Douglas, Danielle, Heather, Christopher, Thomas, and Kathryn; great-grandchildren, Tanner and Natalie; brother, Gerritt Crowley and wife, Nancy; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister-inlaw, Nancy Colby and husband, Tom; brother-inlaw, Henry McBride Jr.; and stepmother-in-law, Dorothy McBride. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, John Crowley; in-laws, Henry G. McBride, and Helen McBride Gillan; and brother-in-law, William McBride. Tom is also survived by his many, many friends from Alcoholics Anonymous who helped him through the years. Tom reached out to so many, helping them with their sobriety. The family would like to thank Dr. Christopher Hebert for his exceptional care for Dad all these years, as well as the kind and caring staff at Starr Farm Nursing Home. We would also like to thank Randy Miller, DDS for his mobile dental lab! Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the LaVigne Funeral Home, 132 Main St. in Winooski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, PO Box 576, Waterbury, VT 05676; the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 60 Kimball Ave., South Burlington, VT 05403; or please consider donating blood to a local American Red Cross.