Richard Bradley Crites

Richard Bradley Crites died January 2, 2026. He was born the fourth child of Herbert Henry Crites and Ernestine JoAnn Phillips Crites in Greene County, PA, May 24, 1954. After the sudden death of his father in December 1958, he spent his early years on his Grandpap Phillip's farm in Spraggs, PA. When his mother married Floyd Wayne “Speedy” Booth in 1962, the family moved to Berlin, PA. He joined the Navy in 1973, serving 2 years in Scotland, followed by 2 years in the Mediterranean on the U.S.S. Sierra (AD-18) destroyer tender. Rick was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in December 1973, and has been a faithful member ever since.

Rick graduated from Brigham Young University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Design Engineering Technology. He married Rosalie Clayson in St. George, UT on February 27, 1987. He spent his career first in rapid prototyping, then in the manufacturing and quality division at NAWS China Lake, CA.

Rick is preceded in death by his father, step-father, mother, and step-brother Larry (Kathy) Booth. He is survived by his wife Rosalie; children Caleb, Emma (David) Murphy, Aubrey, and Nathan; grandchildren Wynnston, Saoirse, Faye, and Magnus Murphy; brothers Rodney, Randy (Daphne), Stephen, and step-sister Beverley Booth.

Rick enjoyed golfing, reading, hunting, and woodworking. He cared most dearly for his faith, and his precious family and friends. Rick was easygoing, never spoke an unkind word to or about anyone, and everyone he met was a friend. He believed that the relationships we develop go with us wherever we go. He kept this saying close to his heart:

"Love is a journey with your friends.

If you part the way through choice

or circumstance,

That love, refined and pure

Stays with you.

Its warmth, its depth

At the speed of thought

Is yours forever."

attributed to Tay