Robert “Bob” James Crawford, a lifelong resident of Northern Ohio and a decorated U.S. Marine Veteran who bravely served his country in the Vietnam War, died April 5 at his home in Euclid. He was 76. Bob was a generous, giving man who enjoyed quiet nights, card games, action movies, and the company of his loving wife of over 40 years, Paula, who passed away in 2013 but was still very much a presence in his life.

Bob was born in Willoughby on June 24, 1940. He was a football star at Thomas W. Harvey High School as both a running back and punter. But he was an even better baseball player, with several pro teams showing interest in him after his graduation in 1958. A proud American, Bob served honorably as a Lance Corporal and Machine Gunner in the U.S. Marine Corps during the 1960s, later receiving a Purple Heart, a Presidential Unit Citation, a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnamese Service Medal and a Vietnamese Campaign Medal.

Bob was a successful store manager and corporate executive in the furniture business for many years.

Bob was preceded in death by the love his life, Paula; his father Dale Crawford; and his stepfather Philip Caranci. Survivors include his mother, Betty (Lawver) Caranci of Painesville, OH; his stepmother Shirley Grable; his brother Dr. Larry (Mary Ann) Crawford of Southern Pines, NC; his sisters Shari (Earl) McNeely of Eastlake, OH, and Brenda (George) White of Littleton, CO; and his sister-in-law Nancy Amos of Painesville. His loving family also includes nieces, nephews, their children, and Bob’s cat Daisy, who provided great comfort to him as he battled health problems in recent years.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Bob’s life during an informal gathering at Johnson’s Funeral Home, 368 Mentor Avenue, Painesville, from 2-4 PM on Friday, April 14.