Leroy Crawford, affectionately known as "Pops"by his loved ones, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, left us suddenly on September 24, 2024. He passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Frona, whom he loved beyond measure, by his side; he would not have wanted it any other way.

Born on October 8, 1941, in Baltimore, MD, Leroy migrated north to Passaic, New Jersey, living there for many years before settling in East Orange, NJ. He was a member of the Block Riders Motorcycle Club, Passaic, NJ where he was nicknamed the "Wildman" for being daring and fearless on two wheels. He was a dedicated employee at Hart Buick, Clifton, NJ for more than 50 years. His work ethic, attention to detail and friendly demeanor garnered him another nickname…Mr. Buick; his co-workers loved him!

Leroy lived his retirement to the fullest doing things he enjoyed like spending time with family, meticulously maintaining his yard, keeping his vehicles "showroom clean," and fishing with a cold Budweiser at his side. His most recent favorite pastimes were shopping on Amazon and posting on Facebook! He was wildly popular and legitimately knew someone wherever he went. He had a humorous, outgoing personality and a generous heart. He was always willing to volunteer his time and share his vast knowledge of "how tos" for anyone in need. You would be hard pressed to meet anyone that did not have the pleasure of knowing him or has a story to share about an act of kindness he bestowed upon them.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Frona Crawford; sons Carl Leroy Crawford, Ricky Leon Crawford, and Ronald Patron (Tania); daughters Pamela D. Crawford, Karen Thornton, and Kristy Crawford Hall (Dadrian); grandchildren, Ricky Leon Crawford Jr., David Leroy Crawford (fiancée Stephanie), Chivon F. Jones (Jamal), Joshua Ronald Patron and Jada Celenia Patron. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Kanes Kelly, Sedavia M. Crawford, Dayvon Crawford, Jayce Jones, Jakai Jones, Alysiah Marie Serrano-Patron, Abigail Rose-Luz Serrano-Patron, and Nehemiah Joshua Patron. Additionally survived by a host of nieces and nephews. A sister, Rhonda Carter (Harvey); and in-laws Mary Crawford, Jeannie Sims, Rose Goode, Emily Patron, Minerva Patron, Edward Fisher Sr., Barry Patron, Carlton Jr. Patron and Donald Patron and his devoted friends Ben and Minnie Mincey, Thomas Gibson, and Charlie Waller.

Leroy was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Parker; brothers Steven Sims and Clifton Crawford; sister-in-law Bernice Fisher and brother-in-law Ernest Woolridge.

While our hearts mourn the loss, we take comfort in knowing Leroy lived his last years enjoying life, doing whatever it was he wanted to do and making sure his family was happy. His life was a "job well done" and we are forever grateful for every lesson learned and the laughs and cries we have shared. We will miss him deeply.