Patrick James Crawford

Visitation: 11:00 - 12:00 p.m., Friday, September 8, 2023

Location: St. Jerome Catholic Church

Celebration of Life Service: 12:00 p.m., Friday, September 8, 2023

Location: St. Jerome Catholic Church

Reception: Following the Service

Interment: Peninsula Memorial Park

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patrick James Crawford, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Patrick passed away peacefully on August 16, 2023, at Riverside Regional Medical Center following years of health challenges. Despite life’s trials and tribulations, Patrick took strength and comfort in his faith and the love of his family. He cherished each day, especially time spent at home watching the birds from the back porch with his loving wife of 55 years, Cheryl Crawford (née Veliquette), and their faithful chihuahua Minnie. The family is grateful to the medical staff and at-home support care he received over many years that gave us more time together.

Born in Mankato, Minnesota, Patrick spent much of his childhood traveling throughout the United States and several countries overseas as a military dependent. This travel–and support of the military–continued throughout his career. In 1977, he graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering and began his career at the Newport News Shipyard. The nature of his work led him to several stateside and international destinations. Concurrently, Patrick proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for 12 years. He temporarily left the Shipyard to work for various engineering companies such as SMA, CDI, and JJMA before becoming a co-owner of a machine shop in Chesapeake. He concluded his career where it began, at the Shipyard, before his retirement in 2014. Patrick maintained friendships with many of his former coworkers. One of his favorite pastimes was his monthly breakfasts with former JJMA employees to enjoy catching up on the latest.

Since childhood, Patrick had a passion for cars. In his teen years, he fell in love with Corvettes. His first purchase was a 1972 and his retirement gift to himself was a new 2014, his pride and joy. He also loved nature, leading to many family adventures visiting the national parks and walking the trails at the Newport News Park. Patrick and Cheryl had a particular fondness for Disney, so much so, that they named two of their favorite chihuahuas Mickey and Minnie. Through the years, they made many family trips to Disney Parks and, as empty nesters, they continued their trips every time something new was introduced. Upon discovering the Disney Cruise Lines, a new adventure began; every trip now included a cruise. After collecting so many souvenirs, their favorite retreat became the Disney room they created upstairs.

Patrick's life was marked by both joy and sorrow, having been predeceased by his cherished 16-year-old daughter, Shannon Elizabeth Crawford; his 17-year-old brother, “John John” Crawford and his parents, Robert J. Crawford and Anne R. Crawford. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Crawford (née Veliquette) of Yorktown, Virginia; his son, John P. Crawford, wife, Elizabeth, and their daughter, Kate, of Wilmington, North Carolina; his brother, Dennis Crawford, wife, Vickie, of Newport News, Virginia and their daughter, Jenna Ward and husband, Scott, and their children, Miranda and Grayson, of Johns Creek, Georgia and his son, Kristopher Crawford and wife, Liz, and their children, Quinn and Josie, of Ellicott City, Maryland.

It was the simple pleasures that truly defined Patrick. He found every day joy relishing a delicious meal out with family and friends or a bowl of ice cream at home. His ability to find happiness in life's small moments served as an inspiration to all who knew him. We will miss him.

The family will recieve friends from 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023 at St. Jerome Catholic Church. A Celebration Of Patrick’s Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. with reception to follow at 1 p.m. at the church. Interment will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Patrick's name to the Lung Association; SPCA; York County Fire and Rescue; or St. Jerome Catholic Church.