Vincent Ralph Crawford

Vincent R. Crawford, 81, passed away peacefully at home on June 17, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Vince learned early the value of hard work, sacrifice, and responsibility. At seventeen, he left high school to help support his mother and siblings. Despite humble beginnings and the absence of a father figure in his own life, he built a remarkable life defined by determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to family.

A true self-made man, Vince married the love of his life, Kati, at nineteen. By twenty-one he was a husband, father of two, and working tirelessly to build a future for those he loved. Through grit, vision, and relentless work ethic, he founded and grew several successful businesses, including Ohio Disposal, the company of which he was most proud. His success allowed him to retire at fifty-two, but he never retired from caring for others.

While Vince was proud of his accomplishments, family was always his greatest blessing. Making Kati laugh daily was a priority. He was a loving father, trusted mentor, enthusiastic cheerleader, and steady source of support to his children, grandchildren, and countless others. Whether celebrating life's victories or navigating its challenges, his family and friends knew they could always count on him.

To his grandchildren, Vince was larger than life. Their biggest fan and greatest encourager, he celebrated every accomplishment as if it were his own. Few things brought him more joy than watching them grow, succeed, and build lives of their own.

Vince was known for his unforgettable storytelling, infectious laugh, love of tennis, gardening, and his proud role as "President" of the Bad Boys Club from St. Ann School. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making people feel welcome. His kindness, generosity, and love of life left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

In his final moments, he was surrounded by the children and grandchildren he adored, a true reflection of mutual adoration.

Vince was preceded in death by his parents, James and Catherine (Russell) Crawford; brothers James Eugene Crawford and William Russell Crawford; sister-in-law Martha Callahan; and many cherished family members and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-two years, Kathleen (née Callahan); daughter Colleen Crawford (husband Dan Barnett); son Vince Crawford (wife Beth); grandchildren Christa Crawford, Matthew Crawford, Michael Picciuto (wife Cassie Carlo), Kevin Crawford (wife Nicole), and Connor Crawford (wife Judy); bonus grandchildren Nick Barnett and Sammi Kump, Nick, Marisa and Gillian Degennaro; great-grandchildren Kobie Crawford, Mason, Tommy, and Manni Picciuto, James and Wyatt Kump, and Anthony Degennaro; sisters Mary Riedel (husband John) and Margaret Ashcraft (husband Bill); brother Jerry Crawford (wife Nancy); sister-in-law Peggy Callahan (husband Randal Holland); and countless nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones whose lives were enriched by his generosity, guidance, and love.

His greatest achievement was not the businesses he built, but the family he built.

In lieu of flowers, Contributions may be made in memory of Vince to Greater Cleveland Youth for Christ, 6801 Brecksville Rd #350, Independence, OH 44131 or by clicking here.

Celebration of Life Service Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 2PM at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Vince beginning at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m., followed by a reception at the Generations Event & Reception Center, adjacent to the funeral home.

In keeping with Vince's joyful spirit and love of life, the family invites guests to wear colors that celebrate a life well lived rather than traditional black attire.