Curtis Crittenden

Curtis Whitmore Crittenden passed away on November 16, 2024, in Milbridge, Maine, at the age of 62.
Born in Leominster, Massachusetts, on October 20, 1962, Curt spent much of his life in pursuit of
knowledge and connection, and lived a life characterized by curiosity and boundless enthusiasm, traits
that left an undeniable mark on the communities he cherished.
Curt grew up in the Blueberry Hill neighborhood of Sudbury, Massachusetts where he developed his
keen sense of wonder and adventure that he carried throughout his life. He went to Lincoln-Sudbury
High School, where he and his close friends formed a bond that stood the test of time, and they remain
a close group to this day. They were well known as FFI (For the Fun of It).
Curt, along with friends Grinnell More and Mike Sullivan teamed up to build an innovative mobile robot
known as the Vectrobot. Curt wrote the "ESCL-8" control software, Grinnell created the mechanical
system, and Mike designed the electronics. In 1983 the trio founded Real World Interface, Inc. (RWI)
and brought the Vectrobot to market. RWI was soon selling robots to university and corporate
customers such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology AI Lab and the Boeing Commercial
Airplane Company. RWI grew to become a key international supplier to the robotics research field.
Several of today's ambitious technologies, including Google Street View and the Mars surface rovers,
were supported during development by RWI research robots.
His education took him from Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School (Class of 1980) to the University of
Massachusetts Lowell, culminating in a bachelor's degree from the University of New Hampshire in
Computer Science. He made his home in Dover, NH where he raised his four children with his first wife.
He took great joy in time spent sharing his love of hiking in the White Mountains with his family.
His career was marked by innovative contributions to the field of electric utility meters. At the General
Electric Company and Aclara Technologies, Curt was recognized for his ingenuity, earning five patents.
Service on the ASNI committee for meters further showcased his commitment to advancing technical
standards and solutions for wide-reaching impact.
In his personal life, Curt found joy in nature and community, evident in his work with the Merrimack
Valley Paddlers Club. As the club's president from 2014 to 2018, Curt led with a light-hearted vitality
that enriched the lives of those around him, motivating others toward river conservation and fostering a
spirit of stewardship. His leadership was a reflective mirror of his personality-witty and curious, always
inviting others to engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. Curt nurtured lifelong
friendships and connections through local clubs and recreation which included Volleyball, Wallyball, and
Billiards League.
In 2016 Curt remarried, and together with his wife Elizabeth moved to Milbridge, Maine a few years
thereafter. Curt had a deep appreciation for the beauty of nearby Acadia National Park, and greatly
enjoyed the abundance of local fresh seafood- especially Maine lobster.
His generosity of spirit enlivened gatherings, offering humor and thoughtful insights that will be greatly
missed. An ever-engaging attitude defined Curt's interactions with people, ensuring he was cherished
not just for his accomplishments but for who he was. These qualities endeared him deeply to his family,
friends, and colleagues, creating bonds filled with laughter and learning.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Crittenden, his father, Kenneth Crittenden, his sister, Cristanna
Sturtevant, his brother, Cary Crittenden, his children: Stephanie Crittenden, Katie Palmer, Nicholas
Crittenden, and Emily Crittenden, grandchildren Logan, Evelyn, Kennedy, and Noah, as well as many
beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother, Janet Whitmore, and sister,
Connie Moore.
Family, friends, and colleagues are invited to honor Curt's memory at a service held at Tasker Funeral
Home in Dover, NH, on December 13 th from 3-5 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at Nippo Lake
Golf Club in Barrington, NH. Here, cherished memories will be shared in a testament to Curtis's spirit
and love for embracing life's moments.
Curtis Whitmore Crittenden's legacy endures in the minds and hearts of those whose lives he enlivened.
His dedication to innovation, community, and the simple joys of life is forever remembered by all who
knew him.