The Passing of a True Legend Richard (Dick) Clarke Crabtree died peacefully on December 12 at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx with his family by his side. Dick was born in New Rochelle NY and was raised there by his parents Joseph and Irene. He attended Iona Prep where he excelled in sports, especially track, setting multiple records including in the 440 yard and 220 yard dash which stood for many decades. He attended both Notre Dame and Georgetown Universities where he studied business, and in 1952 he married Marjorie (Mimi) Hannon, a model, his childhood sweetheart, and dedicated wife until his death. Dick served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1953 to 1954 before entering the family automobile business, Crabtree Motors, where he took charge of the used car division and introduced the concept of certified pre-owned vehicles. Dick was hired by Ford Motor Company as Northeast Manager of Edsel Car Dealership Sales, and despite the short term success of the project, was proud that each of the dealerships that he established survived the Edsel debacle to become thriving businesses. Dick worked as a bank executive at both Citibank and Marine Midland Bank, but eventually realized his true calling was to utilize his prolific people skills in the restaurant business. He opened his first restaurant, Crabtrees Plaza Inn in Crestwood, NY in 1974 to great critical acclaim, and then in 1981 he purchased a popular landmark in Chappaqua NY, the Kittle House, and completely restored the building and the business as the preeminent Restaurant and Inn in Westchester County. Amongst his numerous community positions, Dick served as a Commissioner of the Westchester County Police Board, 1978-1986, as Chairman of the Business School Advisory Board at Westchester Community College, as Trustee of the New Castle Historical Society, as president of Chappaqua Rotary, as a Director of Westchester/Putnam Girl Scouts of America, as president of the Boys and Girls Club, Myrtle Beach, and as Prior to the Sovereign Military Order of the Knights Templar. Dick also served in the NY Guard from 1992 until he retired in 1999 as a Brigadier General. In 1984 Dick received the Westchester County Distinguished Service Award. Dick will be greatly missed by the multitudes whose lives he touched. No matter how many hats he wore, and uniforms he donned, Dick never lost his energy for life and compassion for the people around him, and wherever he walked the world was at least a little bit brighter. He will be forever remembered as a man larger than life with a charm, wit, humor, and compassion that were truly remarkable. He is predeceased by his brother Robert and sister Joan Mackin. He is survived by his wife Mimi, seven children, eighteen grandchildren, one great grandson, and many loving nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends and family at Cassidy Flynn Funeral Home in Mt. Kisco NY Thursday 7-9 P.M., and Friday 2-4 P.M. and 7-9 P.M. A funeral service will take place at St. Patricks Church in Bedford on Saturday at 9:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester, the Salvation Army, and Graymoor Spiritual Life Center.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 17:11:18 +0000
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