Crawford, Jack June 26, 2022 age 76. Beloved husband of 52 years to Mary (Mantalas); loving father of Jill and Kate; supportive father-in-law of Jason Kamman and Scott Gorsky; proud, doting, and beloved grandfather of Nicholas, Benjamin, and Teddy (and grand-dogs Stanley and Kona). Cherished uncle of Andrea and Dominic DiLoreto. Son of the late Jack and Ruth Crawford and brother of the late Karen Fulkerson.
Jack was a Michigander through and through. Born in Detroit, a resident of Southfield and Livonia and Novi, and a graduate of the greatest university in the world, The University of Michigan. Jack spent his entire professional career, other than a summer moving furniture and caddying, and two in an automobile plant - working for the bank formerly known as the National Bank of Detroit. Starting in a branch, he used his analytical, frugal mind to rise in the ranks. His daughters were impressed with the view from his office for watching parades, and Jack impressed his colleagues until his retirement at the age of 53.
For the last 23 years, he has been doing exactly what he wanted to do, almost every day. He was an avid reader, he played golf, he met friends for meals; he also watched every episode of NCIS, Blue Bloods, and Modern Family at least three times, worked around his home, and read at least read two newspapers a day while watching the markets. He loved watching sports, especially baseball, hockey, and college football, and he loved talking about sports with his family and friends.
Jack had a few favorite places that made him especially happy. His family's cottage up north in Lake City, where he slept on the screened in porch and "took a dip" in Lake Missaukee every day. Poipu, Kauai, where he loved the sound of the waves, snorkeling, spotting turtles and whales, and eating monchong. Michigan Stadium, where he sat in the same seats as a season ticket holder for 50 years.
But his favorite place to be - whether it was at one of those mentioned above, or at home - was spending time with his family, particularly his grandsons. He was delighted by them, and they him. He would lay on the floor to play, take them for walks, read to them, sit by them at meals, let toddlers brush his hair and play with his glasses, and was really excellent at being Grandpa.
He had a contagious laugh and a calming, steady voice. He taught his daughters how to make scrambled eggs. He loved music, especially rock and roll. He was really fun at weddings. He wasn't the most patient, but he always gave solid advice and provided everyone in his life with quiet, reliable guidance. He was generous and kind.
He was simply the best. He will be missed forever by his family, who are crushed at his loss but so glad he was ours. Memorial visitation Wednesday, June 29, 2022 from 3-7 pm at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home 41555 Grand River Ave. Novi (248) 348-1800. Celebration of Life will be Thursday June 30, 2022 at 11 am at the Meadowbrook Country Club 40941 Eight Mile Rd., Northville, MI 48167 with luncheon to follow the celebration In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Alzheimer's Association or any Veteran organization. Expressions of sympathy
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