Dr William Gething Crawford M.D.

2/20/1938 - 10/5/2025

Niantic - William Gething Crawford, M.D., FACS, passed away with his family by his side. He led a remarkable life defined by his dedication to healing, service and family. Bill was born Feb. 20, 1938, in Harrisburg, Pa., to Lewis G. Crawford, M.D. and Anna McBride Crawford. He died Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 in New London.

Bill was a graduate of Lafayette College and received his medical degree from Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine in 1964.

Following his medical training, he served honorably as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy. He was deployed to Da Nang, Vietnam with a Marine Corps medical unit. Bill distinguished himself by serving both the U.S. military and the local Vietnamese community. For his extraordinary service in an active war zone, he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Upon returning stateside, Bill was stationed at Chicago Naval Hospital where he met the love of his life, Christine, a nurse serving with the U.S. Navy. They were married August 24, 1968, beginning a beautiful and devoted love story that spanned 57 years. The family eventually settled in Southeastern Connecticut in 1982.

Bill was a revered physician, diagnostician, thoracic and vascular surgeon for over 50 years. Despite his many achievements and accolades, he was a humble practitioner whose singular goal was always to diagnose and heal.

Bill was the pride of his family, a model of humanity and compassion for his children and grandchildren. He was forever loyal to them, creating cherished memories through traditions like skiing in Vermont and Colorado, enjoying Boston College football, and making his homemade applesauce. Bill had an endearing love of animals, including his treasured golden retriever, Rudy. He always supported his children's dreams and celebrated all of life's small and large milestones.

His legacy will continue through those survived by him: his devoted wife, Christine; his son Jason (Keri); his daughter Lesley (David); his four grandchildren, Alex, Annie, Leo and Naomi; his nephew Rob (Giane) and their children, Henry and Noah; and many other nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins, all of whom will miss him dearly.

The family wishes to acknowledge the loyal and excellent care Roxanne DesJardins has provided over the past several years. The family also wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. The thoughtful care shown to Bill was exceptional, with great love and reverence shown to him for the person he was and his distinguished career as a physician and surgeon at the hospital. A special thank you to Dr. Paul Licata, who shared Bill's last practice space and whose compassionate guidance and understanding of Bill's professional ethos were a true comfort to the family.

A Holy Eucharist of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at St. James Episcopal Church, 76 Federal Street, New London, followed by military funeral honors and committal service at St. Mary's Cemetery, 600 Jefferson Avenue, New London. A reception will follow at Great Neck Country Club, 28 Lamphere Road, Waterford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill's name to the L+M Smilow Cancer Center. Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home have been entrusted with handling arrangements. Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to leave the family an online condolence.