Norman Keith Crawford

7/24/1937 - 3/24/2026

Waterford - Norman Keith Crawford formerly of Waterford, passed away March 24, 2026, after a brief illness. He was born July 24, 1937, in Northumberland, N.H., and raised in the village of Groveton, the son of Hollis and Geraldine (Bunnell) Crawford. A graduate of Groveton High School's Class of 1955, Norman was a veteran of the United States Army. After completing his education at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Canada, he began his long career as an x-ray technician and later hospital administrator at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London. After meeting on a blind date, Norman married Dorothy "Judy" Nelson Dec. 15, 1962, and they began their life together in the New London/Waterford area.

Like his own father, Norman was "a man who could fix anything." A talented carpenter as well as mechanic, he enjoyed working on a project. Building and repairing clocks was a lifelong interest and in retirement he owned and operated Crawford Clocks.

Norman enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, playing golf, watching sports and traveling, particularly trips back to the mountains of New Hampshire to visit family and friends. He served the town of Waterford on various boards and commissions in his retirement. A devoted and beloved grandfather, "Bear Bear" never missed a school concert, athletic event, play performance or graduation. Norman was the epitome of a gentleman always exhibiting kindness, respect, integrity and manners. He was an example of how to act when no one is watching.

Norman was predeceased by his devoted wife of 63 years, Judy; and is survived by his son Scott Crawford (Wendy) of Middletown; and daughters, Beth Richard of Waterford, and Gail (Mark) Buckley of Northbridge, Mass.; his five grandchildren: Justin Crawford, Ashley Richard, Isabella Richard, Maeve Buckley and Moira Buckley; his great-granddaughter, Beatrix McCaig; his brother, Harry Crawford; sisters, Linda Crawford and Evelyn Greco; as well as many nieces and nephews.

His family would like to thank the staff at Golden Pond in Hopkinton, Mass., as well as the staff at Milford Regional Medical Center in Milford, Mass., for their wonderful care of Norman. As Norman was an avid reader, in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Waterford Public Library, Waterford, in his honor (via the Support the Library option).

The family will receive relatives and friends from 10 a.m. to noon Friday April 3, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic. A private Interment with military honors will be held at West Neck Cemetery, Waterford. Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to leave the family an online condolence.