Andrew P. Crowley

Andrew P. Crowley, age 87, formerly of Christiana PA, passed away on Wednesday, December 15 at Hickory House in Honey Brook PA.  He was the husband of the late Marie B. Shybloski Crowley who died in 1995.  Born in The Bronx, NY, he was the son of the late Andrew B. and Margaret Heaphy Crowley.

After graduating from Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, FL in 1952, Andy enlisted in the US Army, rising to the rank of sergeant. He served in Sendai, Japan during the Korean War. During his time in Japan, he helped found a Boy Scout troop with boys from base families and local Japanese boys, a radical idea at the time. After his discharge Andy worked in railroad sales, starting with the Atlantic Coastline Railroad, surviving six company mergers to finally retire after 33 years from the CSX Railroad in 1987.  He then worked as an assistant conductor for SEPTA and was a driver for Friess Associates for 17 years.

Ten of Andy's 12 children survive him: Andrew C. of Woodlyn, PA ( Celia Bailey Crowley ), Maxine A. Ernest of Bensalem, PA ( Charles Ernest, deceased ), Donna M. ( deceased ), Jeannette Pietschmann of West Grove, PA, Michael J. of Cape May, NJ. ( Kerry McDonough Crowley ), Marlene Adams of Christiana, PA, ( Thomas Adams ), Patricia Schaeffer, of Pennsburg, PA ( Richard Schaeffer ), Kevin of Lindenwold, NJ. ( Stephanie Sutphin Crowley ), Bernadette ( Deceased ), Keith of Sarasota, FL, ( Brooke McManus Crowley ), Vincent B. of Oxford, PA, ( Stephanie Sipos Crowley ), Beth Doyle of Downingtown, PA, ( Bill Doyle ). Andy had thirty grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Through the years Andy gave back to the community as a volunteer Fire Policeman, Ambulance driver, PA Railroad Museum volunteer and a member of the American Legion. His infectious laugh was more powerful than his determined scowl, but both were powerful tools. Family and friends will attest to his passion for all things railroad, bass fishing, Polish food, bacon and COFFEE! His children remember him as fiercely loyal to friends and family, willing to support his children in their dreams and adventures, even when he didn't understand them. "To be trusted is one of the most empowering things." Keith Crowley

In the late 1970s Andy came to true saving faith, trusting his life to Jesus Christ. Although he was rarely overt in sharing his faith story, he served in Bible-believing churches through the years as usher, trustee, head usher and bus driver. In recent weeks he was keenly aware and fully confident that he would soon be reunited with his beloved Marie in Heaven.

A memorial service will be held on December 29 ^th at 11 AM at Shivery Funeral Home, 111 Elizabeth St. Christiana, PA. 17509. Friends may call from 10AM-11AM. There will be a luncheon following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital stjude.org/donate.