Peter Frank Crawford Sr

CRAWFORD, Peter F., of Dorchester, June 4, 2014. Beloved husband of 65 years to Helen Crawford. Loving father of Phil Crawford (Kathirose) of AZ and Cheryl Nelson (Frank) of MD. Devoted grandfather of Renee Augustine, Philip Alan Crawford, Jr., Tiffany and Chantel Nelson. . Dear brother of Isaac Crawford Jr. and Rosemary Crawford, Ruth (Crawford) Evans, Jerry Crawford MD and Helen Crawford, Marie J. (Crawford) Stout, and Charles E. Crawford, Sr. He is also survived by a Loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Peter Frank Crawford, son of Isaac Crawford Sr. and Martha J. (Wright) Crawford was born to a family of 7 children in Mobile, AL on August 10, 1926 and made his transition from his earthly body on June 4, 2014. He now rests in the arms of his Father in peace.

Peter met and married his loving wife of 65 years Helen Jean (Dove) Crawford in Great Barrington MA and is survived by Helen, his son Philip A. Crawford Sr. and wife Kathirose Crawford, his daughter Cheryl A. (Crawford) Nelson, her husband Frank Nelson; also four grandchildren, Renee Augustine, Philip Alan Crawford Jr., Tiffany and Chantel Nelson. He was preceded in death by his son Peter Frank Crawford Jr. 12/19/1949 - 12/15/1990.

Peter is also survived by 5 of his siblings. Isaac Crawford Jr. and his wife Rosemary; Ruth M. (Crawford) Evans, Jerry Crawford MD and his wife Helen; Marie J (Crawford) Stout and Charles E. Crawford Sr. Preceded in death by his sister Pearl (Crawford) Brinson and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Peter was a devoted member of People's Baptist Church, 134 Camden St., Boston, MA for 64 years. He was one of the central leaders of the Pasadena, Supple, Columbia Roads Neighborhood Association (which also includes Blue Hill Avenue, Bilodeau and Columbia Roads, Normandy, Seaver and Washington Streets) and a 2013 Project RIGHT Community Leader Awardee.
Recognizing the importance of education and with a sincere curiosity for the world around him, Peter attended Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts, Boston. He loved his country and community and was a World War II veteran who achieved the rank of Corporal by serving the 3rd Armor Division of the Army Corp of Engineers in the European Theater Operations (1945-1946).

Peter worked at Harvard University for thirty years as a research technician. He then worked at the Smithsonian Institute's Observatory (on the large telescope) in Cambridge, Massachusetts as well as the United States Post Office until he retired. Peter received a distinguished service award from Mr. Fred Whipple, Director of the Observatory for his work.

Peter provided leadership in the neighborhood's efforts to reclaim and restore Puddingstone Gardens on Seaver Street in Dorchester MA. He organized his neighbors to work with the Alternatives for Community and Environment (ACE) in monitoring the cleanup at the major gasoline spill at Blue Hill Avenue and Seaver St. Peter, along with his neighbors, has organized against many issues, thus making a significant difference in the quality of life in Grove Hall. He will be remembered fondly for his dedication and passion for his family and his community.