Harry James Crawford

Leesburg, Fla. resident Harry J. Crawford died at his Highland Lakes home on Sunday, May 6, 2018. Harry had just celebrated his 95th birthday with family and friends. Beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Harry was born April 30, 1923 in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada and moved to the Boston area as a young boy. He entered the U.S. Air force in February 1943, becoming a United States citizen while in basic training and served as a staff sergeant and tail gunner in the 34th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force, based at Mendlesham Airfield in Suffolk, England. Harry flew 30 missions over Europe (24 in a B-24 bomber and six in B-17s). On his second mission providing air support during the Normandy Invasion, his plane lost an engine, but was fortunately able to make it back to England. He completed his military service in October 1945. His family is proud of his service, which included the awarding of the Distinguished Flying Cross among many other medals. His WWII service was recognized in November 2017 at a special ceremony at Trinity Assembly of God Church.Harry married Marie O'Dea on Oct. 2, 1946 and they had six children (Paul, Jim, Larry, Donna, Tom and John). They lived in Massachusetts and Indiana and, ultimately, relocated to Michigan. Harry was a skilled patternmaker and model maker. He and Marie moved to Florida in 1995, choosing Highland Lakes as their new home. Marie predeceased him in 2000, as did his son, Larry, in 2007. Harry was a devoted husband and father, beloved for his patience, kind-heartedness and encouraging nature. He was an avid Democrat. He once wrote about his childhood during the Great Depression and the fact that he was a proud immigrant to this country and was grateful for what this country had to offer. He maintained his health and optimism to the very end. He is survived by his children Paul (Susan), James (Romy), Donna, Thomas (Mica), John (Jackie); daughter-in-law Casey (married to Lawrence, dec.); and grandchildren Jason, Amy, Paul, Dan, Michael and Chloe; and great-grandchildren Madeline, Jack, Cole, Jameson, Raegan, Amelia and Ellie. Also surviving are brothers Roy (Mary) and Robert (Patricia, dec.); sisters Florence Quirke (John, dec.) and Marion Geake (George). He was predeceased by siblings Blanche Ouillette, Frances Bouzan and Midge Plowman. A celebration of Harry's life is scheduled for Saturday, May 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Assembly of God Church, 200 Urick St., Fruitland Park, FL. Visitation with family is planned for 10 a.m. prior to the service. Burial with military honors at the Florida National Cemetery will take place in a private ceremony at a future date. He will be interred with his wife, Marie. Harry was devoted to his church and his Christian faith. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be considered to his longtime church family, Trinity Assembly of God in Fruitland Park, at the address noted above.