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Neil Crispo Obituary
December 19, 1933- December 21, 2011
Neil was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and later relocated to Florida with his family. He is survived by his wife Barbara, of 54 years, and his two daughters Alane Wiklund (Karl-Martin Wiklund) of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Karen Crispo of Boca Raton, Florida. He was also a grandfather to Caroline and Emily Wiklund. Neil graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor's and a master's degree. He later received his doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi. He served his country as an officer with the United States Coast Guard for fifteen years. Neil dedicated his life to higher education and impacted many for the last fifty years. He was part of the original faculty of Broward Community College where he served as Department Chairman of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Director of Alternative Learning Systems and Special Projects, and Director of Weekend College. He retired after 30 years of service and moved to Tallahassee where he served for 10 years as the Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Florida Tax Watch. After his time with Florida Tax Watch he returned to his true passion, teaching, where he was a courtesy professor at Florida State University Department of Public Administration. Neil was the recipient of the the Outstanding Teacher Award in 2008. Throughout his career he has had numerous research publications. Neil generously inspired and motivated his students, family, and colleagues in all their endeavors and will be greatly missed.
There will be no local service. A private family burial will be held at a later date in Hampton, Virginia. A scholarship fund has been established in honor of Dr. Neil S. Crispo, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Dr. Neil Crispo Scholarship Fund care of FSU foundation P.O. box 3062739 Tallahassee Florida 32306-2739
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Neil Crispo
Sponsored by his loving family.
Robert Howell
April 28, 2017
Neil was the professor who was responsible for me going to FSU. I was from a family with little resources and got accepted at FSU, but had no money for school. Neil obtained a student loan for me and encouraged me. I went on to get a BA in ED, two MASTER Degrees and a Doctorate, an author, and an Educator. He was a real mentor!
C. Rick Ellis
August 9, 2012
Neil was such an inspiration to me when I had him for two clsses at Broward College in the 70s. I still have my notes from his class. I changed my major to Psychology after his classes as a result of his inspiration. I worked in the schools for years and am a Clinical Psychologist. I continue to aspire to the professional standards he set for us. We were not freshman and sophmores at a "community college" to him, but future leaders that wanted to share in his excitement over learning. He will not be forgotten. My regards to his family.
Chad Harvey
May 1, 2012
I only knew Neil for a short time in my life, but what an impact he had on me. He was truly an inspiration to me and all who knew him. I will never forget him.
March 21, 2012
Neil was a classmate while we were working on our doctorates at USM in the 70's. He was an interesting and stimulating conversationalist; we enjoyed "argueing".
John T. Wynn
Doug Wager
January 19, 2012
Neil hired me for my first job out of college at TaxWatch. He was a fantastic mentor and amazing personality. He loved his family, and was a man of highest integrity.
January 18, 2012
Dr. Crispo was an incredible teacher. He loved to challenge his students and was a masterful story teller. His classes were always my favorites and I loved that he'd refer to me as a "senior" student since I was getting my master's mid-life, and I'd remind him if I was senior then what did that make him? His laugh, his passion for public service and his desire to instill in all students the desire to truly help create a bright future for the children of tomorrow has created a legacy that will live on. God Bless his family for sharing him with his FSU students,.
Michelle Bono (City of Tallahassee, FL)
Alex G.
January 11, 2012
Dr. Crispo was only my professor for a single semester in a course that did not meet that often. But in that time he made sure to plant the seed that would motivate me to seek education beyond undergraduate levels. Thank you Dr. Crispo, for your encouragement, and your sacrifice. May the garden you tended be a testament to your creator.
Earle Klay
January 6, 2012
Neil was one of the most stimulating conversational companions I have ever had. He was always ready to listen to an off the wall idea and help me to sharpen it. Neil was a true lifelong learner in the very best sense. He delighted in learning new things and, especially, in sharing those with his students. Neil lived his life in a way that reminded all of us what it means to be dedicated to a life of service to others. We in the Askew School are far better for having had Neil as one of our colleagues and we will strive to sustain his legacy to our students.
Robert Eger
January 4, 2012
One of the kindest men I have ever known. A true generous heart. You will be missed.
Fran Berry
January 3, 2012
Neil had a razor sharp mind and loved to discuss ideas and how policies were impacting people in this country. But his true passion and enormous gift was as a teacher where he made ideas come alive and he inspired his students to get involved, do more and believe in themselves. He was an integral part of the Askew School and his passing will leave a rend in the fabric of our community.
Kathleen Woods
December 26, 2011
Dr. Crispo had one of the biggest hearts of anyone I've ever known. He was friendly and kind to everyone, encouraging us to be our best selves. He was a dear man.
Steve Evans
December 25, 2011
On behalf
of many of us who came to know , love and respect Neil over the years, his wit, intelligence and commitment to the mentoring and coaching of young men and women will always be remembered as one of his many "legacy" gifts to this world. He was a man of great character and integrity and as such, is greatly missed.
Ted Wyly
December 24, 2011
"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night
sweet prince: And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!" (Hamlet)
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