Richard Russell Crawley

STOW - Richard Russell Crawley, age 61, of Stow, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

Rick is survived by Norma, his wife of 37 years; his three children, Richard (Eri), Aubrey (Matt), and Spencer; his two grandchildren, Richard “Nagi” and Chloe; his father, Richard F. (Bud), and sisters, Sherryl Thomas, Kathy Luecke, Pat (Klaus) Fischer, and Cindy (Tim) Hawk. He was preceded in death by his mother, LaVonne Crawley, and sister, Jan Sidle.

Rick lived a life marked by his kindness, generosity, and deep love for his family and friends. Rick was a connector and excelled at relationships. A devoted family man, Rick was a loving father to three children and a proud and joyful grandpa to two grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable happiness. He also loved his many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Whether boating, chasing a waterfall, or simply enjoying time at the lake, Rick was always happy when he was in or on the water . . . “part fish,” as those closest to him liked to say.

He also loved golf and treasured the many golf trips he shared with his buddies, creating memories filled with laughter and friendship. Rick loved going on adventures and traveling, including to Japan, Israel, England, Germany, national parks, and many lakes. He was also a long-suffering Cleveland sports fan - loyal through every heartbreak and hopeful season - a role he embraced with humor and resilience.

He spent his working life with remarkable dedication, holding just two jobs over the course of his career - eleven years as a paperboy with the Akron Beacon Journal, and 37 years at Progressive Insurance, where he worked his way up to become General Manager for the East Region, managing eleven states.

His faith was central to his life. He lived his faith, not just in words, but through consistent acts of love, service and generosity. He served on the fiduciary board and elder board at Riverwood Chapel in Kent.

Calling hours will be held Monday, January 19, 2026, from 4 - 7 PM, at Riverwood Chapel, 1407 Fairchild Avenue, Kent 44240, where funeral services will take place Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10 AM. A live stream will be available, and the link will appear above this obituary notice when available.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shelter Care, 32 South Avenue, Tallmadge, OH 44278 ~ sc72.org ~ or Dignity Freedom Network, P.O. Box 62008, Colorado Springs, CO 80962 ~ dfnusa.org ~ in honor of Rick’s life and legacy.