November 10, 2017
Rest in peace
Carpe diem: this is how Richard Edward Crow spent each day until he peacefully left to embrace his brother Jesus on November 10, 2017 at the age of 80. Rick died at home in Avon with his devoted wife Nancy Reffert Crow holding his hand, as she had for 42 years. He was surrounded by his children Erin Kelly (Steve), Megan Crow Brauer (Mark), Colleen Goodman (Jim) and Kevin Born-Crow (Nicole). Rick is also survived by his grandchildren Hannah, Ethan, Kennedy, Piper, Finnegan, Cameron, Reese, Kira, Penelope, Josie, Amelia, Miles and Walter, his mother-in-law Arlene Reffert, sister M Kathleen Crow, sisters and brothers-in-law Bonnie & Tom Ursem, Bill & Sheila Reffert, Sue & Bob Hirz, Randy & Lori Reffert, David & Sally Reffert, Gary & Janice Reffert and many nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends.Born February 1, 1937 in Cleveland, Rick was ordained in 1963 by the Diocese of Cleveland and spent 9 years as a parish priest; he left and married his soulmate in 1975, obtained a Master’s Degree in psychology and his LSW certification. He spent his career as a counselor in private practice, retreat director at St. Joseph Christian Life Center, job coach at Employment Connection and spiritual care provider at Harbinger Hospice. Rick approached the gift of life with abandon and gratitude. He loved immensely, frequently saying, “God loves you and I love you and there’s nothing you can do about it.” Rick had many interests; he was an avid reader and writer, an engaging storyteller, a world-traveling adventurer, a passionate social justice advocate and an ice-cream-adoring, singing-and-dancing lovable man. In spite of a recent cancer diagnosis, Rick still enjoyed meeting with his men’s group, playing with his grandchildren and living life to the fullest extent. Funeral Mass will take place at 11 AM on Saturday November 18, 2017 at St. Malachi Church, 2459 Washington Ave, Cleveland OH. The family will receive friends on Friday November 17, 2017 at Holick Craciun Funeral Home, 23040 Center Ridge Rd. Westlake, Ohio from 3 -7 PM. Inurnment Private. Memorial tributes may be made to Malachi House, Community of St. Peter, or Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry.
Thank you to the staff at the UH Seidman Cancer Center at St. John for the extraordinary care Rick received and to the staff at Hospice of the Western Reserve for their compassionate support during his final weeks.)
Richard was ordained for Cleveland Ohio in 1963. He transitioned from the priesthood in 1972 and married Nancy in 1975.