GLOUCESTER: Cornelius F. “Fran” Crowley, 91, formerly of Manchester-by-the-Sea, died unexpected Monday afternoon, October 19, 2009 in the Addison Gilbert Hospital.
Born in Salem on September 12, 1918, he was the son of the late Cornelius F. and Mary Ellen (Mulvaney) Crowley. He was a graduate of the Salem High School class of 1936.
A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served in the 5th Infantry –Third Division at the Battle of the Bulge and received two purple hearts and five bronze battle stars.
Mr. Crowley was employed for twenty years at the Lynn Post Office as a letter carrier and clerk, having retired in 1980. He was an avid Boston sports fan.
He is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Alicia and Frank Piscitello of Gloucester, Roberta Crowley Riddle, companion of Bill Tyack of Wenham, three grandchildren, Brendan, husband of Jennifer Piscitello of Danvers, Kaitlyn Piscitello of Gloucester and Mary Frances Crowley of Wenham, a great-grandson, Bradley T. Piscitello of Danvers and five nephews. He was also predeceased by his son, Thomas R. Crowley, a brother, James Crowley and three sisters, Katherine Norman, Mary Young and Margaret Ryan.
His funeral service will be held on Friday afternoon in the Spring Street Cemetery, Essex at 1 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. There are no visiting hours.