Alvin Crawford

Alvin Lee Crawford passed this mortal plane on September 2, 2025 just shy of his 76th birthday. Al graduated from California Area HS in 1967 and subsequently enlisted in the US Air Force. Hoping to become an airplane mechanic, testing indicated that Al had a distinct talent for languages and after training at the Arlington language school to learn Arabic, he spent his entire military career on the island of Crete translating intercepted messages.

Always looking for adventure, Al traveled and ended up settling in southern California. His pursuits included cooking, home repairs and a laid-back lifestyle. Al returned to the Belle Vernon area nearly 20 years ago to help care for his mother, Ruth M. Crawford. He continued to pursue his home repair business. Al was an avid reader and the many books left behind attest to his varied interests.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Jack R. Crawford and Ruth M. Crawford, and a step-brother Jackie Crawford. Survivors include his sister Julie (Ron) Peoples of Huntingdon PA and his brother Louis (Donna) Crawford of Vista CA. Of special note is his Russ’s Tavern family that regaled in Al’s stories and adventures. He will be missed by many.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 7 from 10:30-11:30 AM followed by a memorial service at 11:30 AM with Pastor Mike Fisher officiating at the Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations LLC, Family Owned and Operated, 626 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon 724-929-6183. Interment will take place in The Cemetery of the Alleghenies with military honors at 1:30PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest a donation be made to a charity of choice in Al’s name.