Dennis Crawley, Depew—Dennis Crawley, a revered coach and community figure, passed away recently, leaving the Depew community in profound grief. Dennis was just four days shy of his 55th birthday when he succumbed to Lou Gehrig’s disease, which he battled for nearly three years. Known for his incredible spirit and sense of humor, Dennis was a beacon of strength even in his final days.
Dennis Crawley Jr. led the Depew High School baseball team to its first state championship after being diagnosed with ALS. He was the 27th member of his family to succumb to this devastating disease. Despite the challenges, Dennis continued to participate in events to raise awareness and funds for ALS, showing his unwavering commitment to the cause.
The news of his passing has elicited an outpouring of sympathy and support on social media. Wende Paas reminisced, "Three years ago he was diagnosed with ALS. Just three days ago, he was still ‘walking’ to raise money & awareness for ALS. Dennis fought hard and kept an incredible (&funny) spirit throughout. My last message to him was, ‘I’m sorry you can’t eat steaks anymore buddy’ and he just said, ‘yea it sucks, but it is what it is.’ Dennis Crawley Jr., it was an honor to know you. We are so lucky Tyler got the opportunity to be coached by a great like you! You were truly one of the best!"
Other heartfelt condolences include:
- Molly Rae: "I’m so sorry, Wende."
- Jo Oshei: "So very sorry for your loss."
- Timothy Moses: "Condolences to his family and friends."
- Heather Burke Rowland: "I am sorry Wende. Praying for his family."
- Nicole Antecki: "Sorry for your loss. ALS is a terrible disease."
- Bob Paas: "So sorry to hear this. I met him at Tyler’s games. He was a great coach and man. Sending prayers."
In honor of Dennis, a fundraiser has been organized by David Lyman, a close friend of the Crawley family. The fundraiser aims to collect $20,000 to cover funeral and final expenses. So far, $1,040 has been raised through ten donations, with Harry & Lynette Scull Jr. contributing the highest amount of $250.
The community is encouraged to support this cause and remember Dennis Crawley’s legacy. His dedication, humor, and strength will forever be cherished by those who knew him.
We are deeply saddened to learn of Dennis Crawley’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family—Jen, Ashley, Justin, Samantha, and KJ—during this difficult time.
Short Summary of Dennis Crawley
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Dennis Crawley |
| Date of Passing | Recently |
| Fundraiser Created By | David Lyman |
| Goal Amount | $20,000 |
| Amount Raised | $1,040 |
| Location | Depew |
| Purpose | Funeral expenses and final costs |
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Note:This post was written and edited by Nora Wilson, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.