Philip Grammer Crabtree

1948 - 2023

Philip Grammer Crabtree

March 2, 1948 - October 9, 2023

State College, Pennsylvania - Phil Crabtree, 75, of State College, died on Monday, October 9th, 2023 at his home in State College, PA where he was born and raised. He was predeceased by his parents Allen Barcroft Crabtree and Phyllis Watkins Crabtree; his uncles Sam Crabtree and Don Watkins; and his dogs Waif and Pandora.

In his youth he enjoyed Boy Scouts, including traveling to Philmont High Adventure Base in 1963. One of his favorite activities was spending time at the family cottage "Sniktree" in Ontario, Canada. Locally he enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in Rothrock State Forest.

He wrestled for State College Area High School and graduated in 1966. After graduation, he attended the University of West Virginia. As a young adult he worked in the family jewelry store, Crabtree Jewelers, learning to make jewelry and run a business. Instead of continuing the family business he was consumed by wanderlust. He hitchhiked through every state in the contiguous United States working at odd jobs for meals and lodging.

Phil settled in Seattle, WA and opened Crabtree Construction. In 1985, he married Robin Woodle of Seattle and they had two daughters, Ruth and Rose. Shortly after the birth of his first daughter, Phil designed and built the family home. After a work-related injury, he became a full time stay-at-home Dad to his daughters. He volunteered much of his time and skills at their elementary school and throughout the community.

After his youngest daughter graduated middle school, he moved back to State College to care for his parents. After his father passed away in 2006 he continued to take care of his mother until she passed in 2016.

He enjoyed keeping up with local and world politics, reading, watching local sports, documentaries and classic films. His outdoor hobbies included gardening, hunting, and fishing. He spent his retirement beekeeping, gardening, bird watching and spending time in nature with his family and friends. It was a great joy of his to give out his harvested honey to his friends, family and neighbors. His two closest companions toward the end of his life were his Uncle Don Watkins and his life long best friend, Al Bigatel.

He is survived by his ex-wife Robin Woodle Crabtree of Seattle, Washington; two daughters Margaret Ruth Crabtree of Michigan and Hannah Rose Crabtree of Seattle, Washington; sister Cathy Wirick of Ontario, Canada; nieces Lara Wirick Beech with daughter Esme, Emily Wirick Wetherell with son Ben and daughter Anna, Heather Wirick Gunn with daughter Clara and son Charlie, Esther Wirick Farr with son Atticus and daughter Lucille, their respective spouses, step-children, and many cousins.

His children did continue parts of his legacy. Ruth studied jewelry making and opened her own jewelry business selling custom, handmade jewelry. Rose apprenticed multiple trades and opened her own construction company building and remodeling homes.

His Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday October 29th, 2023 in Petersburg, PA. If you would like to attend please contact Hannah Rose Crabtree at 206-795-3249 or HRCrabtreePA@gmail.com. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers or cards we would suggest donating to the State College Meals on Wheels in his honor at 205 S. Garner Street, State College, PA 16801.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. & Victorian Crematory, Bellefonte. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com