David Allen Crawford, Age 84, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, at an assisted living facility, surrounded by his loving family.
David Allen Crawford was born on March 22, 1941, in Newark, N.J., to Bertha Crawford (Batchelder) and Walter Freeman Crawford. He spent his childhood in South Orange, N.J. He is an alumnus of Wilmington College (1964) and attended the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania.
While attending Wilmington College, he met his first wife, Mary-Ruth. They married the day after graduation and shared 14 loving years, building a foundation of memories that remained an important part of his life story.
In 1981, he met Marcia, and they married in 1989. Together they shared 44 cherished years filled with love, companionship and enduring care until his passing.
David moved with his family to Middlebury, Vt., in 1967 to serve as the town manager. He performed this role with unwavering dedication and a deep sense of pride. Throughout his career, he embraced a wide range of management positions across Vermont and New Hampshire, from municipal government and school supervisory districts to the private sectors, including architecture, construction and real estate management. He was known not only for his hard work but also for his genuine warmth. David took great joy in building strong relationships, supporting his community and leaving a positive mark wherever he went. His life’s work reflected both his professional skill and his heartfelt commitment to the people and places he served.
Beyond his work, David was known for his love of steam trains, fire trucks and camping, and he cherished spending quality time with his family. He will be remembered for his kindness and positivity. He had a steadfast belief in the inherent good of every person and the value to be found in every challenge.
He is survived by his wife, Marcia (Myers); his former wife, Mary-Ruth (Kilpack); his children, Juliette C. Lombard and her husband, Andre; Carl K. Crawford and his wife, Kimberly (McNary), Kimberly C. Lucia and Katherine C. Lucia; his stepson, Christian Junker, and his wife, Karen; his grandchildren, Nathan, William, Samuel, Felicity and Phoebe; his step-granddaughter, Isabel Junker; and his siblings, Charles K. Crawford and Diane C. Ludwick.
Honoring David’s wishes, no visiting hours or funeral service will be held. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Ridgewood Condominiums Clubhouse on Lexington Green in South Burlington, Vt.