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.
Crawford, H. DanielDuring 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.