Franklin Eldridge Crabtree, 70, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away June 8, 2019. He was born on July 4, 1948 in Long Branch, New Jersey, to Francis and Helen Crabtree. Franklin grew up in Wanamassa, New Jersey and attended Ocean Township High School, where he was part of the first graduating class, in 1967. Boy Scout Troop Leader and Organizer and Order of the Arrow were a couple of Franklin’s achievements in his youth years.
He then joined the U.S. Navy and was Yeoman 2nd Class (YN2) were he served in the Vietnam War, on USS New DD818 from 1967-1969, Rota Spain from 1969-1971, USS Independence (CV6Z) from 1975-1978.
Franklin married the love of his life, Carol Ann Pietrafeso, on August 26, 1972 in Oakhurst, New Jersey. Together, they had three daughters. He worked as an entrepreneur in sales and was an independent consultant for World Ventures. He loved to travel and watch Nascar, but his biggest joy was being a husband, father and grandfather. He earned few nicknames during his lifetime including, “Frank”, “Crabby”, and “Papa Frank”.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sharon Milone. Frank is survived by his wife, Carol Crabtree, daughters, April Crabtree, Sandra Crabtree and Faith (Jeremy) Newsham, granddaughters, Harmony and Audrey Newsham, grandson, Tucker Newsham, brother, Stephen W. Crabtree, sister, Diana L. McNay and his two dogs, Peanut and Chewie.
Services for Frank will be held Friday June 21, 2019 at 9:30 am at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85024. A reception will be held immediately following the services to share in fellowship in remembrance of Frank’s life at the home of Carol Crabtree in Mesa.
A celebration of life will be held at Don Morton’s home, for the World Ventures Friends and those who can’t make it to the services on June 21st on Sunday, July 14 at 2p.m., 13237 N 76th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boy scouts of Arizona or Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council.
May God Bless you and hold you close for eternity
Will miss your banter.
Rest In Peace my friend…we all love ya and know you are smiling down on us from the great beyond. The years passed quickly and wish I still had you back here in Jersey!
Rest In Peace Cuz, Little did I know when we were 14 years old and school mates that I would marry your cousin Richie , who I did not know when we were kids .
Fly high and soar with the Angels Dear friend, not to worry we got the mail and Doors are
Till we meet again ,sleep well .
Carol, April, Sandra, Faith & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, the family and loved ones today.
May his memory and his love give you strength during this difficult time.
Sending our deepest heartfelt condolences to you all.
Love, Tammi (cousin)
Fond memories of times past putting in the miles, attending events, dreaming the dreams, and hanging out.
That man could sell…
Condolences to the entire family.