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Elvin Crespo Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Elvin Crespo
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Laurie Crespo
November 22, 2014
Dear friends ,
Words cannot express our sincere appreciation for your thoughts, prayers and condolences. Ej , Brad and Megan are doing very well. Elvin would have been very proud! Your kindness, support and prayers helped us beyond measure.
May we all live in peace knowing Elvin is resting in peace with our Lord. Until we meet again, he will forever be on our hearts.
God bless you,
Laurie, EJ, Brad and Megan
James Ahearn
November 2, 2009
To the family of Elvin Crespo my deepest sympathies. My name is James Ahearn and I was a classmate of Elvin's at Brooklyn Technical High School. I googled his name on a whim and was saddened to learn of his passing Elvin and Julien Fortuna were my concert parners of the early 70s. When we weren't outside school protesting the Vietnam War (not that we knew anything about it)we were off to a concert whether it be the stones,Led Zep, Allman bros or even a Dead concert to watch all the Hippie girls. I was so proud to read of all his accomplishments and will show them to my children 2 of whom are still in college. We shared a part of life where you have all the fun of an adult and the responsibilities are still down the road. I can understand how much everyone will miss him. I have missed him since 1975! Take care and God bless.
Manuel Cobos
February 25, 2009
To the Crespo Family:
I just learned of Elvin's passing and I am so sorry. Elvin and I worked together in the Inspection Service. It was my pleasure to have worked with him and more importantly, he was a trusted confidant and friend.
As saddened as I am and crushed as my heart is. I am sure the feeling of pain and the loss my heart is feeling, cannot compare to that of yours.
Please accept my condolences and may you all find peace, comfort and hope at this most difficult time.
I wish I could offer words of wisdom and comfort that would console you. But I can only express my sympathy and keep you all in my prayers.
Elvin is my friend - a Gentleman of the highest stature. May God bless you all and I know God's love continues to embrace Elvin.
linda dees
January 20, 2009
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Laura Daniels
January 15, 2009
I work for Patrick Lavelle, Esq. and we just found out today about Elvin's passing. We are very sorry for your loss and we want you to know that he will be greatly missed by us. We have worked with him for a few years now and he always cheered us up when he called because he was always very friendly and happy. God Bless you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are very sorry for your loss.
Jeffrey Diaz
January 9, 2009
Elvin was a great individual, a great supervisor, a great friend and a person so full of life. He was an important role model in my life and I am going to miss him very much. My prayers are with Lori and the family.
Marcel Umphery
January 8, 2009
To the family of the deceased you are in my prayers my heart goes out to you guys.
Orlando Castillo
January 6, 2009
Laurie, EJ, Brad, Megan, and Antonia:
I have no words to describe the pain I feel with the absence of my Brother, Elvin---His daily calls and support will never be forgotten. If the need ever arises, I hope to be there for all of you, as he was always for me.
With lots of love,
Orlando and Mary
January 5, 2009
Dear Laurie, Brad, EJ & Megan:
Our condolences during this difficult time. Although no words could help at this time, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We enjoyed Elvin's company in the office as he would always spend a while visiting with us at his appointments. We feel honored to have known him.
Ali, Arpana, Dave, Carol, Kedar, Nazzy, Freda, Omar & Enrique
Ariel
January 4, 2009
Eulogy, In Celebration of the Life of Elvin Crespo
United States Postal Inspector (Retired); Lawyer; Business Man; Husband; Father; Brother; Son; Friend; Professional Colleague; Lifetime Student; Coach; Mentor
Mother Seton Parish, Germantown, Maryland
Monday, December 22nd, 2008
Good morning Antonia, Laurie, EJ, Brad, and Megan, family, friends, and professional colleagues. I welcome you to the celebration of Elvin’s life. That’s right, the celebration of Elvin’s life. Elvin and I presented speeches together on a few occasions and I know he would have wanted us to celebrate his life, not only mourn his death. Today I speak to you on behalf of Elvin’s family.
Considering the company I find myself with today, I wouldn’t dare call myself Elvin’s best friend. Many of you present here today have known Elvin for over 25 years, men like Eddie Rios and Bob Krut, both whom together served with Elvin as federal law enforcement officers. Bob and Eddie, and many who were unable to join us today, put their lives in each other’s hands, as they chased down and arrested notorious and serious criminals. Those of you who went through doors as police officers and others who shared his life longer than me were his best friends.
I can, however, claim the title that Elvin was my best friend since meeting each other in 1997. My wife and I would often joke that I talked to Elvin more than I talked to her. In fact, if I had a personal or business problem Elvin was the first person I would call. What is a best friend? A person you can call in the middle of the night, who takes your call, who gives up his comfort for his friends and family, who gives you the shirt off his back or the money in his pocket. As most of you with children, my wife and I trust our children with very few people. In 2007 when our baby daughter was only six months old my wife and I had to attend a function in New York City and had no idea what to do with the baby. Elvin volunteered to travel with us and watch the baby at the hotel while we took care of our issue and then we came back to see Elvin holding our baby daughter having just changed her diaper. I will never forget seeing my friend holding my baby daughter in his arms. For all of the comments that Elvin was always in a rush, this is the Elvin Crespo I knew. In addition to friendship, for an entire year, Elvin and I shared an office as we worked together, we often traveled together, rode in a car together, spent nights away from our families together. I will forever treasure our memories.
With this setting as a blueprint I share with you a little of Elvin’s life. Elvin was born to humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York to Antonia and Jose Crespo, graduated from High School determined to be better than the best. Elvin’s favorite musical group was the Rolling Stones and their singer Mick Jagger. In 1981 he started working for the Postal Service as a postal carrier, while pursuing a law degree. Also in 1981 at Tara’s Pub, a bar in North Jersey, Elvin met a beautiful young woman named Laurie and she was taken by his suave dance moves. Elvin’s approach was simple – “Laurie, I can afford either tea or coffee but not both.” Shortly after meeting Laurie she left for a backpack trip to Europe leaving Elvin begging for her return. His marriage proposal to Laurie was more complex and sophisticated. Five months later while out driving to a date with Laurie he simply turned and said, “Laurie let’s get married,” and Laurie accepted. In 1982 they entered into holy matrimony and Elvin ambushed Laurie by a surprise honeymoon to Puerto Rico which was really a prelude to telling Laurie they will be moving there as part of his job. Shortly after they started their family with EJ, Brad, and Megan. We also remember their unborn baby daughter, Courtney Blair, just 8 months of gestation.
In 1983 Elvin graduated from Rutgers law school with a Juris Doctor, passed the bar examinations and was admitted to practice law in the state of New Jersey and the District of Colombia. In 1984 Elvin joined the noble police fraternity by becoming a federal law enforcement officer, a United States Postal Inspector. Elvin often spoke very proudly of becoming an Inspector and cherished his memories. If you are here today representing the Inspection Service, we thank you for your service. Few people know that Elvin participated in the investigation and/or the arrest of notorious criminals. He moved very fast up through the ranks, from Field Inspector/Federal Agent to Group Investigations Supervisor, Assistant Inspector in Charge of the Office of Special Investigations (AIC) otherwise known by most of us as internal affairs, then as AIC at the Postal Inspection service academy, Inspector / Attorney, and his last post as Deputy General Counsel at the Office of Counsel, a job he really liked. Not a small feat considering that at approximately $800b in annual revenues the Postal Service is probably comparable to a Fortune 5 corporation in size. Elvin often spoke highly of his last manager at the Inspection Service, Inspector and lawyer Larry Katz. Upon Elvin’s retirement, Larry wrote to Elvin thanking him for “his wise counsel to him in the Inspection Service,” words that Elvin will replay to himself in moments of doubt or adversity. Larry, thank you for seeing Elvin for who he was and for having a lasting effect on his life.
Elvin was always industrious and business-like. To illustrate this point, I was told by a very good source that the ever industrious business man and his new wife ran a laundromat and that Elvin, as a Postal Inspector, often received calls by his beautiful new bride to tell him that the laundry machines were down and to go check them at lunch time. He would look up at the unnamed inspector sitting across from him, shrug his shoulder, and ask “what do you want me to do about it?”
Elvin was also a talented trial lawyer. He worked for the Inspection Service from 1984 to 2006 except a stint as an Assistant County Prosecutor in Bergen County New Jersey from 1990 to 1993 where he prosecuted various criminal offenses. In 2006 he received one of the Hispanic Bar Association’s rising legal star awards, an event which I attended with Laurie.
Few know that Elvin was a very competitive, some would call professional, tennis player. In 2006, my then boss and lawyer, who will remain unnamed to spare him any embarrassment, constantly bragged about being a competitive tennis player and I finally put an end to the bragging by setting up Elvin on a one on one match with my boss. I wasn’t there but I am told that Elvin beat the crap out of him and probably is the reason the bragging ended.
Elvin was a very good son and we both shared the Hispanic upbringing of family comes first. Our parties included children and, no matter what, our wives are more important than anybody else, after our mothers, of course. I often reflect on Elvin’s relationship with his mother Antonia and how my relationship with my own mother is similar. Our joint drives in either of our automobiles out of town were always interrupted with calls to his mother Antonia and my mother on speaker phone. Elvin’s family and mine saw each other in Christmas 2006 and our mothers met and it was immediately a bond of love shared through heritage and through the love of brothers Elvin and I shared. Antonia, I have no adequate words to console you to spare you any pain on your loss. But I can tell you that Elvin loved no one in this world more than you. He loved you, respected you, admired you, but more importantly simply cherished being your son and really looked forward to spending time with you.
Elvin was a wonderful husband to Laurie. He often spoke of their loving marriage of 25 years and their relationship of 27 years. If our drives out of town were interrupted with calls to our mothers, those were more often interrupted by calls to our wives. Elvin would always tell me after his telephone calls to Laurie “she is a really good lady”. When I had my own challenges in my own marriage I envisioned a marriage like Elvin and Laurie’s. For those of you having had the privilege of visiting the Crespo’s home, you know what I am talking about. Pictures all over the place. Elvin and I shared an office for a year at work - pictures of him and Laurie all over the place; I stayed at Elvin’s and Lauries’ vacation home in South Carolina, immediately upon entering the home - a picture of Elvin and Laurie. Laurie, as with Antonia, I have no possible words to console you. No words can replace the almost three decades you spent together, your memories, your times together. But I can tell you that Elvin really loved you, loved being married to you, was proud of you, and of you being the mother of his children and more than anything, he trusted you.
EJ, Brad, and Megan, for all of his accomplishments, your father’s most cherished duty, job, and obligation was to be your father. Our main topic of conversation was about our kids and he often reflected on your times spent together. If he had pictures of Laurie everywhere he had more pictures of you. If we were out of town together he would always say, “let’s call the kids, or we must call the kids before we do this or that.” I do have words to console you. I would like to be half of the father Elvin was, or strived to be, every day. Everything he did, the long hours at work, the efforts, the hustling, he did it for your future. Elvin never had doubts about how he felt about being your father. Ask any close friend of your father and they will tell you that he will constantly bored people over and over with stories bragging fondly about each of you. Remember your father for who he was and how proud he was of you and as you go forth think of him watching proudly upon you.
To all of you present here today, if you are here it is because Elvin had his own impact on your life, a wise counsel as Larry Katz said, a warm hug, or his nice, quick and warm smile, as our friend Arturo said. I bet Elvin, at a minimum, showed you the meaning of true friendship. I talked to a lot of Elvin’s older friends in the last few days and they described Elvin with the following words – tenacious, hated injustice, always available, a visionary. We take comfort in the many lives he touched and the many lessons he shared. Elvin had an incredible power of recollection and knew everybody by first name. For a lawyer, no offense intended, he was honest and straight forward, what you see is what you get, ask a question, and get an answer. To all of you, thank you very much for honoring Elvin and his family with your presence here today.
Christianity and believing in God means different things to different people. To me, one reaches the Kingdom of heaven by salvation and faith and I believe Elvin in his own way was a man of God and believed in God. Throughout the years, every time Elvin left a telephone message for me, that message always ended with “God bless”. The very last words Elvin told me were “I am here to help you, always, you know that, right? God bless”. On Sunday Elvin told his friend Kevin that it was nice to know there were a lot of people that cared about him. Elvin was a man of God.
When Laurie called me Wednesday to let me know of Elvin’s passing I raced to Suburban hospital with my wife and daughter with the hopes of seeing Elvin alive. Upon arriving at the hospital, a few hours too late, I insisted for a minute alone with my friend and my wife and I visited with Elvin at the hospital and said our goodbyes. Then we prayed to the Lord, that he help all of us stay faithful during these times, and we prayed for Elvin together while standing about two feet from him.
Nothing can separate us from the love of God and our hope is to meet with Elvin again in spirit in Heaven. For now, let’s remember him as the great husband, father, son and friend that he was, until the day we get to see him face to face.
God bless all of you and thank you.
Ariel
John Watson
January 3, 2009
My deepest sympathies go out to Laurie and the wonderful Crespo family. Please let me know how I can be of help.
Nadeem Sinnokrot
December 31, 2008
hello to the crespo family and god bless mr.crespo we dealt with him personally at midas in germantown and was a great guy very outgoing,and mr.crespo will always be in our prayers
Joanne Quashnock
December 27, 2008
My Dear Laurie and children,
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the Crespo family.
I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Elaine Rhodes
December 26, 2008
I met Elvin a few years ago when he called to tell me he owned a lot in Treasure Lake and wanted more information. I was impressed with his energy and enthusiasm. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family and friends. God bless you.
Karen Soverino
December 23, 2008
I am so sorry for you loss. I worked with Elvin for many years in the Postal Inspection Service Office of Counsel. He was always a pleasure to work with, and he will be missed by everyone who knew him.
MARIA TORRES
December 22, 2008
To the Crespo Family,
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I was heart broken to hear of your loss. Elvin was my son Christopher's godfather. Although life takes us through different journeys, we will never forget family times. My prayer's are with you. May god give you strenght.
Love,
Cherry
Jess & Joyce Quintero
December 22, 2008
We share in your sorrow for the loss of Elvin. Not only was he a friend of ours, but he was also an example of what American values are all about.
Elvin was our friend through thick and thin. Professionally he led by example and made sure that all things should be equal under the eyes of our Lord and the law. From our personal perspective, he was an honest man and when he was involved in a project, he made sure that all involved benefitted from it, regardless of position in the project.
He, Lori and family will always be our friends and will be included in our prayers, especially the Rosary & Mass.
May our Lord keep him safe in the Palm of His Hand.
Jess & Joyce Quintero
David Lopez
December 22, 2008
To the Crespo Family:
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Elvin as a Postal Inspector in Washington DC. He was an outstanding Federal Agent.
Alisa Santucci
December 22, 2008
To the Crespo Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. As Tommy's former teacher, although we only know Mrs. Crespo, we want you to know how sorry we are for your loss and how we share your sorrow. Please know the community is thinking of you during this difficult time.
The Santucci Family
Deonte' Pollard
December 22, 2008
Elvin took me under his wing and showed me how I am supposed to conduct business and be professional at all times. He also told me the most important things you have in your life are family and health. Not many people would give me the opportunity to excel, but all of that had changed when I met Elvin. We often joked around about sports related issues and shot pool on lunchbreaks. I could always come to Elvin whenever I had a problem personal or professional. Elvin will be missed but not forgotten, he will and forever be in my prayers.
Judy Thomas
December 22, 2008
To the Crespo Family and Friends,
Elvin was not only my Manager but a good friend. When I would call in and tell Elvin that I was not feeling good and that I would not be in, he would always tell me that my health was #1 and my family was just as important. He also came to see me when I was in the hospital this year. He was a good friend and I know a good man. God Bless his wife and children.
Judy
Carol, Bill, Mike, Chris and Lauren Toeller
December 22, 2008
Dear Laurie, EJ, Brad and Megan,
Draw strength from each other, your relatives, friends and colleagues. We are all here for you. Elvin touched so many hearts and will continue to do so as you keep his memory alive. God bless your family.
Lillian Russo
December 22, 2008
Laurie and family, Frankie and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy in Elvins passing. It was nice to see both of you at Jonathans wedding this summer. You both were so happy to be there and we were all excited to see you. The journey will be tough but cherish the happy memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. See you in Toms River, Lillian and Frank Russo
Shirley Jenkins-Boyd, JHU
December 21, 2008
To The Crespo Family:
My heart was sadden as I learned of Elvin's passing. We spent much time together studying and preparing for exams. He always spoke of his family often. I will always remember how he thought of others before himself. May God bless you during your time of bereavement. God bless you all.
Candace Jamison
December 21, 2008
Hi Laurie,
Please accept my sincere condolences. I am steadfast praying for you and your family. Please know if there is anything you need you can certainly call. I will miss Elvin not only as my manager but also as my friend.
God Bless
John Grimm
December 21, 2008
Dear Laurie, EJ, Brad, and Megan -
I am so very sad to hear of Elvin's passing. My thoughts are with you in this most dificult of moments - please know (and take comfort from the fact) that he has touched so many people throughout his life that his memory and lessons will not be soon forgotten.
John Grimm
Nikki Jensen
December 20, 2008
Crespo Family,
I can't tell you how sad I was to hear about Elvin. I will miss seeing him and even though he was always in a hurry, he always had time to say hello and ask how I was doing. He was constantly bragging about his family and what they were doing and how proud he was of all of you. I will always remember his kindness to me and the staff at this office. Elvin knew everyone by name. My thoughts are with you today and as you go through this difficult time.
Nikki
Denise Wilson
December 20, 2008
Laurie, EJ, Brad and Megan-You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please let your memories comfort you and give you strength. We will miss Elvin very much.
Suzanne Hodges
December 20, 2008
Dear Laurie and Family,
My husband and I were heart-sick to learn of Elvin's passing.
In the short time we knew him he made a positive, lasting impression on our lives. We loved his gentle spirit, quick, easy smile and his honest, forthright and humble nature.
Last March we traveled to Wisconsin to meet Elvin for a tour of Golden Eagle's headquarters. During our time together he talked often and fondly of his family. I recall him saying, "Laurie has a wonderful personality. She's so outgoing--never meets a stranger". He also spoke lovingly of his children and mentioned a time not long before when he had spent quality time (which he deemed to be a 'right of passage') with one of his sons. It was obvious that Elvin cherished his family.
There are no words that can adequately express our sympathy for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
With deepest sympathy,
Suzanne and J.F. Hodges
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