Daniel Robert Crouse

Daniel Robert Crouse was born on August 15, 1949, in Poughkeepsie, NY. He passed away peacefully at his home in Granville, NY, on August 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was 76.
Dan grew up in the Hudson Valley before spending the past three decades in the Whitehall and Granville area. Dan began his career at IBM, then joined his father in the family business, Environmental Contamination Control. He also invested in several companies over the years and was known for his entrepreneurism. He was a natural tinkerer and lover of cars, whether working on the family's Ford Model A, restoring a 1941 Ford fire truck, or cruising in a Corvette or Camaro. Dan was a lifetime member of the LaGrange Fire Department and the Arlington Fire Department, where his father, Bowie, had been a founding member.
A born storyteller, Dan loved sharing tales that blended humor, history, and imagination, often leaving listeners laughing and wondering where the facts ended and the embellishment began. He always had a fresh idea, living life in the moment and to the fullest. Whether it was a campground on his property, a bird sanctuary, or a motor track, he loved sharing his land with others. He had a twinkle in his eye and a generous spirit, surprising neighbors and strangers alike with small gifts of chocolate, flowers, or honey.
Dan took pride in his Irish ancestry. Raised Catholic, he honored his faith in his own quiet way, wearing his gold cross and keeping traditions that mattered to him. Above all, he loved people. He thrived with good conversation, time with friends and neighbors, and riding on his tractor in the fields.
He is survived by his cherished bond with Emily Noble Kelley, his children, Daniel Crouse, Julie Crouse Mitchell of Montana, and Kelly Crouse Ledford, and his wife, Judy LaDuke. Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends will also remember Dan. He was predeceased by his wife Judith Crouse and his parents, Robert and Eileen McGrath Crouse, and his sister, Diane Crouse Van Benschoten.
We will deeply miss Dan's big personality, generous spirit, and love of a good story. He will be remembered for his humor, his stubborn streak, and his love of tomatoes from the garden. He will be laid to rest at 1:00 p.m. on August 28, 2025, on top of the hill in Poultney Cemetery, Poultney, VT, overlooking the vistas of his beloved upstate New York. A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion on 689 Granville St, Poultney, VT, at 2:00 the same day.
Donations, if wished to be made, can go to the Dementia Society of America in his wife's honor. Funeral arrangements are done by Durfee Funeral Home in Fair Haven, VT.