| Rev. Francis J. Crawford, O.S.A. (1917-1979) |
| Posted by TomCleary |
2007-05-11 |
Rev. Francis P. Crawford, O.S.A. entered eternal life March 19, 1979.
Francis Paul Crawford was born May 10, 1917 in Mount Carmel, Pensylvania, to Robert and Mary (Strantzk). He was Baptized May 20, 1917 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Mount Carmel. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation October 10, 1926 at the same church.
Francis received his elementary education at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Mount Carmel. He earned his high school diploma in 1935 from Mount Carmel Catholic High School, Mount Carmel. He entered the Augustinian program of formation in 1936 at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York.
He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 9, 1937. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1938 and solemn (permanent) vows September 10, 1941. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1941. He pursued theological studies from 1941 to 1945 at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He was ordained a Priest May 18, 1944. He earned an M.A. in Sociology from Catholic University of America, Washington, in 1945. In 1958 DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, awarded him its degree of Specialist in Education.
Father Crawford was assigned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, in 1945. There he served at different times as Teacher, Dean of Discipline, Athletic Director, Director of Studies and Principal until 1968, except for one school year, 1961-1962, when he was Director of Studies at Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago. From 1968 to 1971 he served as Principal of Mendel Catholic High School.
In 1971 Father Crawford was assigned to St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Parish, Chicago, as Assistant Pastor and Prior (local superior) of the Augustinian community. During his stay at St. Clare, he developed heart trouble. He was assigned in 1978 to St. Rita Catholic Parish, Chicago, in semi-retirement. He died suddenly March 19, 1979.
Father Crawford was widely known for initiating, promoting and coaching Golden Gloves Boxing at St. Rita High School.
He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.
Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081.
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