Jerry Crutchley

Jerry Crutchley
November 2, 1949 - February 21, 2015

Jerry was born in Akron and grew up in the Italian neighborhood of North Hill. He was a student and star football player at North High School. He was enrolled in Kent State when he was drafted into the Vietnam War. He served 2 years with the 1st Calvary in the United States Army before coming home from Vietnam and remained in the reserves for several years.

He raised his four kids on the principles his parents taught him; he was funny and fair. His warm and infectious sense of humor was a source of comfort for both family and friends who sought his advice on all things from car trouble to life's hardships and joys. The humor and wisdom which he carried with him made it impossible to be in a bad mood when he was near. He was the first person you called when something bad happened, and the person you wanted to talk to when something good happened. In more recent years, Jerry enjoyed becoming a grandfather. His three grandchildren were the absolute light of his life. He would sit patiently for hours and become a child again as he laughed and goofed off.

There is no way to summarize a man like Jerry because he was larger than life itself. His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of his children whom he taught countless life lessons to. He will never be replaced and he will never be forgotten. If there is one thing he taught us all, it was how to live life to its fullest and to be thankful for every moment.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Robert and Emma (Sansonetti) Crutchley. He is survived by his wife, Anne (Doering); sister, Carolyn (Carl) Manzo; adoring children, Justin Crutchley, Joe (Liz) Crutchley, Susanne Crutchley, Shannon (James) Conley; grandchildren, Willa, Ellis and Lucy; long time business partner and devoted friend, Nancy Coveleskie; and countless in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. SATURDAY, February 28th at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. The Wadsworth Honor Guard will conduct military honors at the conclusion of the memorial service. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on FRIDAY, February 27th at the funeral home. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence, Light a Candle or Send Flowers, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)