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H. Crawford Obituary

H. Daniel Crawford of Mill Village, known as Dan to friends and family, died Thursday, February 18, 2010 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh following an extended illness. Born in Natrona Heights, Pa. on September 16, 1947, he was the son of the late Howard and Betty Fox Crawford. During the past five years, Dan demonstrated courage and the will to live, and despite not feeling well on many occasions, he kept himself active. In fact, just a few weeks before his death, he was able to travel to Atlanta to spend time with family. Dan retired from General Electric where he worked over 30 years. No one could match his skills as a machine operator running the "Expander", a machine which is one of a kind in the country. As with all of his endeavors, he never put forth less than 100%, even at work! If you would ask Dan about his best times, he might say how much he loved coaching Little League. Demonstrating exceptional coaching skills, he loved watching the kids develop from picking flowers in the outfield to becoming true competitors. Until he became ill, he amazed his softball teammates with his quick reactions and strong arm at 3rd base! That was quite a feat weighing over 250 pounds at the time! He also enjoyed golf, but unfortunately he was never a great golfer. Golf was for fun, softball was to win! Dan is survived by his "beloved" wife of 36 years, Nannette Festa Crawford; a daughter Nicole Patton and her husband Scott of Grayson, Ga.; a son Casey and his wife Debbie of Wexford, Pa.; three brothers, Dennis and wife Karen of Girard, Sam and wife Sandy of Cabot, Pa., and James of Butler; two grandchildren, Von and Gavin of Grayson, Ga.; a dear friend, Marian Crawford; his parents-in-law, Tony and Anne Festa of Plant City, Fla.; his feline friends, especially Annie who watched over him for the past five years; and many friends, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. The family would life to extend a special thank-you to his team of physicians at Allegheny General Hospital: Dr. Donald Atkinson, Dr. Elmer Nahum, and Dr. Jorge Vazquez. Because of their skills, kindness, creativity and friendship, Dan was able to enjoy a good quality of life. Also thank-you to: Dr. Julie Wehrer, physicians and staff at the Erie Regional Cancer Center, Saint Vincent Health Center, Hamot Medical Center, Great Lakes Home Care, and the Erie Va. A very special thanks to friends Bill and Judy Dinsmore, and Larry and Marsha Kisielewski for their help and support. Visiting hours will be at the Van Matre Funeral Home of Waterford on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be there Monday morning at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations made be given at the funeral home to the Westfield Stray Cat Rescue Association or the Erie Regional Cancer Center. Condolences may be sent at www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Feb. 20, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for H. Crawford

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Sue Nientimp-Suesser

March 3, 2010

Nanette,
Please accept my deepest sympathies. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Frank Festa

February 25, 2010

Nanette, Kathy & I are so sorry to hear of Dan's death. You have our sincere condolences and you are in our thoughts & prayers. We wish to include Pat, Jean, Karen, Judy, & Jimmy in these condolences.

Sincerely,

ben page

February 24, 2010

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Dick Coursey

February 22, 2010

Nannette,
Sue & I send along our thoughts and prayers on the passing of your husband, Dan. We could see that you were surrounded with so many helpful medical people during his illness that must have been wonderful to have. If you got 1/2 the help from them that we received from you, you should be blessed!

Jim Foster

February 22, 2010

Nanette, I'm so sorry to hear about Dan. Our prayers are with you and your family. I remember Dan encouraging you from the stands in the Hamot softball league. Take care

David Hoffman

February 22, 2010

Nannette,

It's been a long time since we travelled the county with the kids and played ball. We learned about life from the kids and also taught them alot about life. Dan will always be remembered for his unselfish giving of himself, his energy, and his time teaching and coaching all of the kids. He was a great role model in sports and in life. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Just a long-time friend keeping you, Casey, and Nicole in my prayers,

David Hoffman

Kara (Greishaw) Onorato

February 22, 2010

Mrs. Crawford and Casey,

I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Crawford's passing. You all were always so kind and generous to me and my family during the years I was married to Allen. I have fond memories of being packed into your living room watching football while a very young Sonny would try to just catch one of your cats. You will be in my thoughts and my prayers.

David Stein

February 21, 2010

Nan,
You are such a trooper, and nothing can prepare you for that moment of loss. Karen and I hold you in our thoughts, and we feel helpless that there is so little that we can do but offer that to you. Take care and see you soon.
David

February 21, 2010

Nan, Casey and family,
Even though I haven't kept in touch with you since your wonderful card and letter to me, I have had you and Dan in my prayers and thoughts as I would get the updates from Marcy or Lu. Although many will say that "he is at peace now" and I'm sure he is, it doesn't take away the emptyness in your hearts. You have been a very special wife and family trying to keep life as normal as possible these past five years. We were amazed that he was able to do as much as he did under the circumstances. Please know that we love you and wiill keep you in our prayers, also send our love to your Mom and Dad. I promise to keep in touch! Love, Nick & Dee Moore

Elaine Chimenti

February 21, 2010

Nannette, I was so sad to hear about Daniel. I will remember you and your family in my prayers.

Heather Dean (Drake)

February 21, 2010

Casey & Family,

My sincere condolences on your loss. I have to believe that knowing Dan he finally decided it was his time to go be in peace. I'm not sure that I've ever met such a strong willed fighter in my life as he was with this illness. His love of his family was very evident every time anyone talked with him and his love for life and being out doing things despite feeling well or not was inspirational. I will always remember Danny fondly as he helped me first learn to golf along with my Dad and even went out with me at times by ourselves. I smile to think back at his advice to get someone better than them to learn from. Although I haven't seen him in years I always enjoyed hearing how he was doing and prayed for his continued improvement. My prayers are now with you and your family. For every time you miss him, I hope you can smile thinking about him because I really believe he would want it that way.

With sympathy,

Kathy & Chuck Calkins

February 20, 2010

Nannette please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jim Kaliszewski

February 20, 2010

Thoughts and prays to your Family

Jim Kaliszewski and Family

February 20, 2010

Nan
Diane and My thoughts are with you. We are so very sorry for you and your families loss. Hal was a truly great guy. He is someone who touched my life and how I coached and helped all of my children.

Please take care

Bern

Brian & Gerry Burling

February 20, 2010

Nannette, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You will all be in our prayers.

Richard Hahn

February 20, 2010

To Nannette and family, in sympathy for all.

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