Dennis S. Crapo, 70, of New Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at St. Luke's Hospital. He was the husband of Victoria J. (Alves-Wood) Crapo.
Dennis was born in Acushnet, son of Marie Alyce (Watts) Crapo of Westport and the late Alden S. Crapo. Having grown up in Westport, Dennis was a Westport High Graduate who went on to serve our country during the Vietnam War. As an Air Force Communications Officer, he was stationed in Japan from 1967 to 1971. He was a graduate of BCC. He was a chemical processor for the Polaroid Corporation from 1973 to 2009.
Dennis brought pleasure to his life and the lives of others through his numerous interests and talents, including music, writing, and drawing. He spent many a weekend in the 1970s and 80s as DJ of his business "Memories Unlimited" and also published his own magazine "Sound Investments," which covered the local music scene. A talented musician himself, Dennis began playing guitar in his high school band "The Highlanders" and continued playing live music with other bands through 1993. He most recently recorded several albums with "Ron Cormier & Company" at close friend Ron's home-based Ram Studios. Dennis' artistic talents were demonstrated in his personal drawings and cartoon characters but also provided many local businesses with personalized signs, including the iconic "Lobster" on Lees Wharf, seen from the Rt. 88 Bridge for many years. But, of all the pleasures enjoyed in his very full life, most dear was spending time with his children and grandchildren, his wife and best friend Vicki, his mom, and the many family and friends who will all miss his gentle ways, dry humor, and big heart.
Survivors, along with his wife and mother, include his son Adam P. Crapo and his wife Jeana Ayala of Los Angeles, CA; his daughter Catherine "Elizabeth" Hamel of Hopkinton, RI; his step-son Ryan J. Wood and his fiancée Shannon Bishop of Plymouth; his aunt Claire Watts; mother-in-law Marilyn E. Alves; sister-in-law Christine Kenneway of NH; sister- and brother-in-law Dawn and Edmond Lacombe of Fairhaven; 2 grandchildren Alden W. Hamel and Alyson R. Wood; his former wife Catherine Davis; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral service to which relatives and friends are invited will be Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at the Potter Funeral Home at 7:00 P.M.
Calling hours will be Tuesday, from 4-7 P.M., prior to the service.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lighthouse Animal Shelter, 596 Hathaway Road, New Bedford, MA 02740 or to Parkinson's Place, 68 Blackstone Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860.