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 was a Vietnam War veteran and a retired employee of 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; 3 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, FL; his feline friends, especially Annie who watched over him for the past 5 years; and many friends, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
The family would like 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, the Erie VA, and the nursing staff on 6C and at shock trauma in ICU at AGH. 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 7-9pm. Funeral services will be there Monday morning at 11:00am. Memorial donations may be given at the funeral home to the Westfield Stray Cat Rescue Association or the Erie Regional Cancer Center.
my sincere sympathy from tom and i. he was a lucky man from our stand point.samuel will be looin for him we will keep you in our prayers.
Dear Nana,
God Bless you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Although we did not see you folks as frequently as we wanted; we always enjoyed laughing and smiling with you and Dan. You have wonderful memories to cherish forever.
Linda & Ed Stadelman
Nannette and family:
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of your loss.
Sincerely,
Steve and Kathie Lewandowski
Dear Nanette and family,
Just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. As the days pass, the good memories will abound and a smile will return as you think of all the wonderful times you shared with each other. Nanette, you were both blessed to have been able to spend 36 wonderful years together. Through both the good and tough times you were always there for each other. How wonderful is that. My prayers are with you now and in the future.
Sincerely,
Paulette Hanstine
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To Nanette and Family,
You are in my prayers. May God’s love envelope you and help you to let go of the pain and cherish the good memories. Know that he is at peace and pain free. Enjoying the presence of the Lord, but, he is always in your heart. God bless you.
Angela
Dear Nan and family:
Just read about Dan’s passing today….alot of very fond memories from the past remain.
Dennis is in FL for the remainder of the winter…I will leave a message from him at his home here in Erie with his wife Fran in case she didn’t see the paper.
My sympathy…
Neither death nor the passing of time can erase his memory.
Jean Sprake
My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. You and your husband have been so very brave for so long. The courage you both have displayed through these many battles is amazing. Please know you and your family are in my prayers.
Warmest Regards,
Brittany Green
Dan was the kind of man that you would want you son to be. He was authentic, true to his word, a good father, husband, and friend. He was bright and funny. He was courageous and loving. He was competitive and compassionate.
Although he left us sooner than we had hoped, he gave us his all while he was with us. It is comforting to know that heaven’s softball team’s 3rd base is now covered by Dan! Prayers and healing thoughts to our friend and Dan’s beloved, Nan.
Suzanne Schmidt and Dan Davis