Francis Lawrence Crowley

Francis Lawrence Crowley, of Medfield, beloved husband of 49 years to Nancy A. Crowley (Griffin), devoted and loving father to Elizabeth G. Crowley, cherished father-in-law to Elizabeth’s husband Ben Sprayregen and proud grandfather to their son Benjamin, passed away on April 22, 2025 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Frank was born in South Boston on July 27, 1944 to the late Mary Norton Crowley and her husband Francis Lawrence Crowley. Frank’s resilience developed from an early age when he lost his father, who died proudly serving his country in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Fiercely devoted to his mother, and his mother to him, they went on to live a happy life together in South Boston, surrounded by close family.

Frank developed a lifelong passion for sports early on, and enjoyed not only playing sports, but also cheering on his Boston sports teams. As a young boy, when not at school, Frank could often be found at the South Boston Boys & Girls Club (now the Edgerley Family South Boston Boys & Girls Club), a supportive and thriving environment where he made many friends, and learned to cook, play sports, and swim.

Frank met the love of his life, Nancy, in 1971 and as the saying goes “the rest was history”. Frank and Nancy were married in 1975, and began their married life together in Chestnut Hill. While it was unclear initially if Frank would ever leave his roots in the city, Nancy eventually convinced him to move to Medfield, where they bought their first and forever home together, raised their daughter Elizabeth, and spent many happy decades together.

Frank’s family brought him immense joy and he was fiercely devoted to them, as they were to him. Frank’s happiest days were spent with his family, whether enjoying a meal together, spending time on the ocean, especially in Sarasota where he and Nancy went annually, or watching his grandson play soccer.

A cherished friend to so many, and always with a huge smile and helping hand, Frank will be remembered fondly and missed by so many.

Frank was an employee of the United States Post Office for 30 years, which he retired from in 2003. Unable to sit still for long, Frank returned to the workforce, enjoying 10 more years as a Court Officer for the Framingham District Court before he officially retired in 2016. Frank had a strong work ethic and enjoyed helping others, whether professionally, or personally.

Frank thoroughly enjoyed retirement with his wife Nancy, keeping busy as always, whether tending to his home, yard or pool, traveling, spending quality time with his family or playing golf. Frank was an active member of the Walpole Senior Center where he met many friends, played pool and started a golf league.

An avid reader, he especially took interest in reading any books on the Battle of the Bulge. One of his most memorable trips was with his family to France and Belgium in 2014 where he was able to visit his father’s grave at the Henri-Chapelle American Military Cemetery.

Exuding kindness, curiosity, sincerity and good humor, Frank will be missed so dearly, but his memory will live on forever.

The family will receive visitors on Sunday April 27th from 2pm to 5pm at the Holden – Dunn – Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock St., Westwood, Massachusetts. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday April 28th at 10:00 am at Saint Margaret Mary Church, 845 High St., Westwood, Massachusetts. All are invited to attend. Interment to follow the Mass at Vine Lake Cemetery in Medfield.

Contributions in Frank’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org) or to the Edgerley Family South Boston Boys & Girls Club (www.bgcb.org).