Sean Paul Crook

Sean Paul Crook, proud father of his four daughters Kimberly Haymes, Kelly Spitalnick, Erin Wesolowski and Mary Harmon, age 71, died on June 18th, 2025 at Shining Bright Senior Care Home, Huntington Beach, CA.

Sean was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island in 1953 to Ralph and Rosemary Crook and was the third in a family of 5 boys (Michael, Dennis, Kevin, and Brian) and 1 girl (Rosemary). Sean was educated at the Naval Academy, played Navy football, was a Navy pilot and notably served in Antarctica flying C-130 Hercules providing logistical and operational support for scientific research. Sean was a part of the VXE-6 squadron and he became the youngest and first-tour pilot to earn the Polar Qualified Aircraft Commander designation in his squadron’s history. His calm judgment and exceptional flying skills earned him the respect of his seasoned crews.

While stationed at Pt. Mugu Naval Air Station, Sean met Mary Wickman, a Navy Nurse. Though later divorced, they remained close co-parents to their daughters and shared in the joy of their grandchildren. He retired from the Naval Reserves after 20 years of faithful service. His favorite day of the year was the Army-Navy game…Go NAVY, beat ARMY!

Sean was a devoted and loving father to his four daughters who dearly miss him and the life lessons he imparted. Among them was a piece of advice he gave to Mary. Sean’s 2 grandsons were at his house one day and they wanted all his collectibles! He gave a piece of advice to their mother… Sean said, “I have a rule that I will not immediately satisfy an immediate request because, as I was a little boy, I was taught to be vigilant but patient. Satisfying one’s immediate desires can be counterproductive as it takes away the motivation to pursue that desire if someone immediately satisfies it.”

Sean took great pride in being a parent, especially taking the family on roadtrips, camping and staying at the beach. He was extremely proud of his four beautiful daughters and all they have accomplished in their careers and in building their own families.

Sean was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph F. Crook, Jr. and Rosemary Rita Dolan. Sean is survived by his daughters Kimberly Anne Haymes, Kelly Dolan Spitalnick, Erin Webster Wesolowski, and Mary Katherine Harmon, and his six grandchildren: Scarlett, Annie, Evelyn, Annabelle, Jameson, and Jackson. He is also survived by his siblings Michael Francis Crook, Kevin Patrick Crook, Dennis Dolan Crook, Brian Martin Crook, and Rosemary Louise Kiley.

A Memorial service for Sean will be held at Harbor Lawn - Mt. Olive Memorial Park & Mortuary in Costa Mesa, California on August 16th at 10:30 AM. Following the service, there will be Naval Honors in recognition of his service and legacy.