Bennington, VT – John A. Crawford, 90, a resident of Beech Street in Bennington, Vermont passed away on October 17th, 2021 following a brief illness.

John A. Crawford

Born in Bennington, Vermont on January 27th, 1931 he was the son of the late Elmer and Marion (Crawford) Crawford. He received his early education in Bennington and attended Bennington High School. A few years later, on September 15th, 1951, he married the former Barbara A. Mattison at the First United Methodist Church in Bennington.

In his professional life, John worked at the EZ Mill in Bennington for two years. Then for the next 20 years, he was employed as a designer for the Benmont Paper Company in Bennington, where he designed many of the popular wrapping papers and greeting cards that the company produced. John also worked for the Beach Nut Company, where his painting of the owner’s son was used as the label for the brand’s baby food for many years.  He also owned and operated a sign shop in Bennington for 14 years, painting signs for local businesses, including at one time the sign at E. P. Mahar and Son Funeral Home.

He was a very successful horse owner, who loved harness racing and instilled a love for horses in his family. One of his prized horses was named Rebel Aaron, who won the honor of New England Pacer of the Year.

John participated in the Bennington Moosefest in 2005 and painted a fiberglass moose. He also participated in Saratoga, NY’s rendition of Moosefest, where artists painted fiberglass horses. He enjoyed all forms of art but was most fond of wood carving, proven by some of his life-size carvings.

In his younger years, John enjoyed hunting. He also was a gifted athlete, and a Vermont State Champion in small board target shooting, as well as regular and candlestick bowling. During his time at Benmont Paper, John was the clean-up batter for their softball team, and often swung for the fences. He was even quoted as saying “I’ve gotta hit far… I can’t run!”

Survivors include; his son, Kim Crawford (Judy), of Stillwater, NY, and his daughter Debbie Crawford (Tim) of Saratoga, NY. He is also survived by five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Two sisters; Sally King and Sue Bull, as well as many nieces and nephews.  John was predeceased by; his wife, Barbara A. Crawford, their son, John “Jack” Crawford (Karen), and five brothers; Frank, Fred, Chris, Mike, Walt, and Harvey Crawford; as well as two sisters, Joanne Reed and Marion Boutin.

A memorial service will be held at the Mahar & Son Funeral Home on Saturday, October 23rd at 12:30 pm, with a graveside service at Park Lawn Cemetery to follow.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family and admire some of John’s artwork before the service at 11:30 am.

If friends should desire, memorials contributions in memory of John A. Crawford may be made to the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main St. Bennington VT. 05201.