Sturbridge: Richard L. Crowe, 91, of Park Circle, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 12th at UMass Memorial Hospital - Harrington after a brief illness.

His beloved wife of 43 years, Arlene J. (Carter) Crowe died April 13, 2023.  He leaves his two daughters, Chere Nielson and her husband John of Arizona and Cynthia Sisson of Arizona; a close cousin, Dulena Michelini and her husband Ron of Reading; his three grandchildren, Timothy Nielsen and his wife Tracy, Erik Nielsen and his wife Courtney and Christopher Sisson and his wife Emilia; four great grandchildren; his three nieces, Debra Seaman and her husband Kevin, Linda Sbrogna and her husband Joseph and Denise Allaire and her husband Dennis; four nephews, Ronald Carter, James Carter and his wife Kim, Robert Carter and Christopher Carter; a nephew-in-law, Paul Stasaitis; 15 great nieces and nephews and 13 great-great nieces and nephews.   He was predeceased by a niece, Kathleen Stasaitis.

Richard was born in Reading the son of Lawrence S. and Doris R. (Brown) Crowe.

He graduated from Reading High School where he was on the football team as a quarterback. Richard enlisted in the United States Army serving honorably during the Korean War.  Richard worked for most of his career as an Airport Serviceman for Eastern Airlines at Logan International Airport before retiring many years ago. In 1972, Richard was honored as employee of the year becoming the first person to be honored by Eastern Airlines at this airport.

Richard just loved his wife, Arlene. They were two peas in a pod.  Everything he did was done in great love for her. They were truly each other's lifeline and soulmate.  It was beautiful to see this unique and special love they shared together.  Now they can be together once again for eternity.

Richard was an avid fisherman – so many funny stories. He even convinced Arlene to go fishing.  I must say she was hooked.  Richard loved woodworking, camping, bingo, cards, mini golf, yard work, traveling whether for a day trip or a week and most of all helping others.  Family and friends were very important to Richard; he was always ready and willing to help. Richard became a Catholic years ago, and the celebration of Holy Mass became very important to him. He believed in the Eucharist; God' presence.  He said to me, "believing in that great mystery, gives me hope and strength."  Richard enjoyed people, always seeing the good in everyone he met.  To Richard, there was no such thing as a stranger, it was simply a person he hasn't had the pleasure of meeting.

Thank you to all the employees at Webster Manor for the wonderful care and love that Richard received, you are appreciated.  You became Richard's extended family. Your talents and expertise are shining examples of God's love and mercy upon those in need.

His funeral will be held on Monday, Aug. 21st from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge with a Mass at 11:00AM in St. Mary's Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 267 Hamilton St., Southbridge. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery in Worcester. Calling hours in the funeral home will be held Monday, Aug. 21st, from 9:30 to 10:30AM prior to the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.