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William Crawford Obituary
Tom leaves behind his loving wife of over 52 years, Patricia (Cole) Crawford. They were high school sweethearts and married on Aug. 20, 1960 in New London.
Born on Jan. 1, 1941, in Tarentum, Pa., Tom was the son of the late John Portsmith Crawford II and Sara Mari Crawford, and brother of the late John Portsmith Crawford III. The Crawford family moved to Niantic in the 1950s. Tom attended New London High School and then joined the U.S. Navy in 1960. After his tenure with the Navy, Tom was employed at Electric Boat in Groton, where he worked as a rigger for 36 years until his retirement. After retiring, Tom got together regularly with his EB buddies at meetings of the Old Bastard's Club at the Groton Motor Inn. Tom enjoyed working on his house, which he had lived in for over 50 years, going to the beach with his wife, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He had an interest in Naval history and genealogy. Tom will always be remembered fondly as "Smiley" by his buddies and "Grumpa" by his grandchildren.
In addition to the love of his life, Patricia, Tom is survived by the pride of his life, his children, Kim (Crawford) Brackett and her husband, Paul, Todd Crawford and his wife, Rosemary, Keith Crawford and his wife, Michelle. He is also survived by his grandchildren, to whom he was an incredible role model of what a good, hard-working, loving person is, Sara, Paige, and Jorge Brackett, Rachel, Cole, Caroline, Callum, and Lauren Crawford.
Visiting hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, with a memorial service immediately following at The Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Southeastern Connecticut and the Visiting Nurse Association.
To send the family an online condolence, please visit Tom's memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Crawford
Joan Bendfeldt
February 1, 2013
Pat & family My deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of Tom your husband and family. May your wonderful memories you have console you in this painful time. I will keep you all in my prayers. Joan (Daley) Bendfeldt & family
David Rathbun
January 29, 2013
Very sorry to hear this. Knew Tom well from Niantic, the Fire Department, NLHS and EB. A great guy. Condolences to the family.
carol allen
January 29, 2013
Dear Pat & family, Please accept my condolences at the great loss of your husband/father
RICK SILVIA
January 28, 2013
May God bless Toms family in its time of sorrow. May your sorrow be tempered with the knowledge that you had a wonderful man in your lives.
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Tom Hronis
January 28, 2013
Dear Pat,
I extend my deepest and heart-felt sympathy for your husband's passing. During the years I have gotten to know you and Tom - loyal customers of Olympic Pizza - both Stephanie and I had nothing but the highest respect for each one of you. May God grant you spiritual peace and strength now and for the years ahead.
January 28, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
January 28, 2013
Heartfelt prayers for you and your family. Fond memories last forever.
John Prokop
January 28, 2013
Godspeed on the next leg of the journey, Mr. C. You were a good neighbor to us and had that great Mustang! To Pat, Kim, Todd and Keith, greatest of comforts all around.
Stephen Rolfe
January 28, 2013
Sorry for your loss my heart go out to you and your family.
Maureen Griswold Burridge
January 28, 2013
Pat and family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Alex&Gina Hay
January 28, 2013
Dear Pat,Kim and entire family-
Tom was a wonderful man who loved you all greatly and whose smart wit will be missed by many,he always funny and kind.Saying how sorry we are isn't enough...may he rest in peace.
Joan Knecht
January 28, 2013
Mr C was a man of few words, but those words were strong and meaningful and full of love. I knew if I was visiting in Niantic in the summer I could find them both on the beach and get a warm "hello Joan how is DC." Mr C's voice rings loudly in my head today along with thoughts of all of you. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you today.
January 27, 2013
pat and family, blessings to you all.May God bless/ Sylvia from the old days.
Cindy Bayreuther McShane
January 27, 2013
Kim and family,
I am so sorry to learn about your loss. As we go through life, our parents are our best role models, shaping and guiding us along the way. Your Dad must have been a fantastic inspiration to you all. Just know that though he is gone, his heart, soul and spirit live on through you all.
Elaine Kleine Smith
January 27, 2013
Pat, I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I know that Tom was loved and loved his family. I will be in touch or if you need anything at all please call me. I hope that someday your sorrow will turn to thought of warm memories and smiles. You are a great lady. May the comfort of your family and friends be with you at this time. Love you
Donna Bienkowski Smith
January 27, 2013
Pat and family, We are so sorry to read of Tom's passing. We think of you both fondly every year on our anniversary when we look at our wedding video and pictures..you were a special part of that night. Tom was a nice man who I'm glad we had the chance of knowing. Pat you have a special place in me and Chris' hearts always and we are so sad for you. Please know we are praying for you and your family and hope your happy memories will comfort you in the days ahead. Our deepest sympathy with love, Donna, Chris, Dylan, Logan, and Ryan xxxxx
January 27, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Maureen Griswold Burridge
January 26, 2013
Mrs. Crawford and family,
I am sorry to read of the passing of your husband and father. My thoughts are with you during this most difficult time.
Kathy McCurdy
Day Carrier
January 26, 2013
Tommy, your passage into heaven is a loss to those left behind. I had known you since pick-up football and basebaall in Pine Grove with "the gang" and into your working carrier at Electric Boat. While we were never hang aropund friends I had always considered you a "friend",and I will miss seeing you every
now and then around town. My best to your family with fondness and sincere condolences. Bob Smith aka chi chi
Melissa Calkins
January 26, 2013
Kim,
My prayers are with you and your family at this time. It is so hard to lose your parents. I miss my dad still today!!! Hold those precious memories close to your heart!!
All my best to you all~~~
brad /joann kerr
January 26, 2013
sorry to read of your loss and a prayer will be said for you today....
Bryan Piacenza
January 26, 2013
Nothing but respect for Tom. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Fellow rigger, Bryan Piacenza
anthony nancy dimella
January 26, 2013
rip
Sue and Walt Eaton/Burzycki
January 26, 2013
Pat and Family, We are so sorry to hear about Tom. He was a great man. We had some good times together.
Kellie Crawford
January 26, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with my family during this most difficult time. Hold the wonderful memories close to your heart and he will always be with you~
wally smith
January 26, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John and Nancy Sheppo
January 26, 2013
Pat & family,
With sincere sympathy to you and your families, we remember Tom fondly.
O'Hara Family
January 26, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out to your family. And now that he is forever looking down on your family with a loving eye.
Bob Navin
January 26, 2013
Sorry to hear about Tom, he was a great guy. Worked with him at EB for many years. Tom was simply the Best. May your grief be tempered by the good memories.
Nadine Kabat
January 26, 2013
Please know that we are thinking of you all as you remember your loved one. Your memories and love will see you through.
Fred and ginger Bates
January 26, 2013
Kim and Family,
So sorry to hear about your Father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your Mother and Family
Pauline Potter
January 26, 2013
My heartfelt sympathy. Cherish the memories.
Pauline
January 26, 2013
I wish you and your family heartfelt condolences. Cherish your memories while you know he is at peace.
Love, Pauline
Bob & Patty Buttermore
January 26, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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