William O. Crabtree, III, of Sarasota, FL, lovingly known as “Tony,” passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the age of 87. He was the beloved son of the late William O. Crabtree, Jr. and Mary Cary Crabtree, and the devoted husband of the late Carolyn Margaret (Bender) Crabtree, who passed away in October 2025.
Born and raised in New Rochelle, NY, Tony graduated from Iona Preparatory School in 1956 and went on to earn his degree from Fordham University in 1960. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Lynn. Their love story began early - they went on their first date when Lynn was just 13 and Tony was 14 - and it grew into a lifelong partnership marked by devotion, laughter, and deep family pride.
Tony built a successful career in the commercial food service cleaning and sanitation industry, beginning with Economics Laboratory, Inc. (Ecolab), where he advanced to Senior Vice President of Sales. In 1975, he took a bold step into entrepreneurship, becoming the co-owner of Greenwood Chemical Company Inc., which he led until selling the business in 1986.
Tony and Lynn made their home in Darien, CT, and later in Westwood, MA, where they raised their four children. Tony treasured time spent with his family, especially cheering from the sidelines at his children’s sporting events, with Westwood High School football holding a special place in his heart. A devoted sports fan, he also enjoyed attending New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox games. At home, he found joy relaxing by the backyard pool and tending to his prized tomato plants.
In retirement, Tony and Lynn moved to Cape Cod and later to Sarasota, FL, where Tony embraced a slower pace of life. He loved playing golf with friends, listening to country music, and playing his guitar - simple pleasures that brought him great happiness.
Tony is survived by his devoted daughter, Karen Crabtree Synk (Glenn Yoder) of Osprey, FL; his sons, Bill Crabtree (Pam) of Yarmouth Port, MA, and Chris Crabtree (Chrissy) of Natick, MA. He was predeceased by his cherished wife Lynn, his son Michael, as well as his brother David and sister Kristy.
Tony was a proud and loving grandfather to nine adored grandchildren: Gretchen (Nick), William (Endia), Caroline (Coleman), Molly (Jimmy), Kevin, Steven, Elena, Alex, and Noelle. He is also fondly remembered by Marlen Rojas.
Services and interment will be private. A celebration of Tony’s life will be held in March.
Born and raised in New Rochelle, NY, Tony graduated from Iona Preparatory School in 1956 and went on to earn his degree from Fordham University in 1960. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Lynn. Their love story began early - they went on their first date when Lynn was just 13 and Tony was 14 - and it grew into a lifelong partnership marked by devotion, laughter, and deep family pride.
Tony built a successful career in the commercial food service cleaning and sanitation industry, beginning with Economics Laboratory, Inc. (Ecolab), where he advanced to Senior Vice President of Sales. In 1975, he took a bold step into entrepreneurship, becoming the co-owner of Greenwood Chemical Company Inc., which he led until selling the business in 1986.
Tony and Lynn made their home in Darien, CT, and later in Westwood, MA, where they raised their four children. Tony treasured time spent with his family, especially cheering from the sidelines at his children’s sporting events, with Westwood High School football holding a special place in his heart. A devoted sports fan, he also enjoyed attending New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox games. At home, he found joy relaxing by the backyard pool and tending to his prized tomato plants.
In retirement, Tony and Lynn moved to Cape Cod and later to Sarasota, FL, where Tony embraced a slower pace of life. He loved playing golf with friends, listening to country music, and playing his guitar - simple pleasures that brought him great happiness.
Tony is survived by his devoted daughter, Karen Crabtree Synk (Glenn Yoder) of Osprey, FL; his sons, Bill Crabtree (Pam) of Yarmouth Port, MA, and Chris Crabtree (Chrissy) of Natick, MA. He was predeceased by his cherished wife Lynn, his son Michael, as well as his brother David and sister Kristy.
Tony was a proud and loving grandfather to nine adored grandchildren: Gretchen (Nick), William (Endia), Caroline (Coleman), Molly (Jimmy), Kevin, Steven, Elena, Alex, and Noelle. He is also fondly remembered by Marlen Rojas.
Services and interment will be private. A celebration of Tony’s life will be held in March.
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