CAPE ELIZABETH – Robert “Bob” Wendall Crawford, 81, of Cape Elizabeth, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2021, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.

Robert was born in Minto, New Brunswick, Canada to Rita and Roy Crawford on August 10, 1939. His family moved to the United States when he was 12 years old and established their home in Livermore Falls. Robert was an avid basketball player throughout his high school years.

Shortly after high school, he joined the Army and served as a military policeman stationed in Germany. After his service, he returned to Maine and began his career as an insurance broker. He married the love of his life, Paula (DiSanto) Crawford, on March 12, 1966, in Portland. They moved to Cape Elizabeth to raise a family, and Robert resided there for 53 years.

He was often recognized for his exceptional business contributions during his time at Metropolitan, Boston Mutual and Nationwide companies. He was a caring man who would look for ways to help his clients during their time of need.

Robert was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a consummate joker, an avid golfer, and enjoyed an occasional scratch ticket. He celebrated life and most enjoyed spending time with his loving family and friends. He would often host festivities to bring people together and share special moments. He especially loved the children in his life and would play guitar in the backyard and do magic tricks for them. Robert was always doing things to bring people joy and make them smile.

Robert is preceded in death by his loving wife, Paula Crawford; his brother, Wynn Crawford; his parents, Rita and Roy Crawford; and many close and loving family members.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Melissa Kirwan and her husband Noel Kirwan of Cape Elizabeth, his daughter, Stephanie Wilkinson of South Portland, and his daughter, Tara McFadd and her husband Doug McFadd of Cape Elizabeth; his five loving grandchildren, Julia Wilkinson, Matthew Wilkinson, Dylan McFadd, Madison Kirwan, and Lucas McFadd; his sister, Barbara Mercier and her husband Richard Mercier of Edgecomb, and his sister-in-law, Fran Silcock and her husband Ed Silcock of Cape Elizabeth; and his three aunts, Mabel Greene, Vera Caswell, and Agnes Richard of New Brunswick, Canada; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Upcoming memorial service details will be announced in the near future on the Hobbs Funeral Home website (www.hobbsfuneralhome.com).

Due to current health concerns related to COVID, all CDC recommendations and guidelines will be followed for memorial services. This includes social distancing, face coverings, and occupancy limits.

Robert’s family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the caregivers at Maine Medical Center and the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to

Hospice of Southern Maine,

390 US Route One,

Scarborough, ME 04074.

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