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Hundreds Celebrate Life Of Westchester Restaurant Legend Richard Crabtree

BEDFORD, N.Y. – Hundreds of friends, family and colleagues gathered at St. Patrick’s Church in Bedford on Saturday morning to celebrate the life of Westchester County legend Richard “Dick” Clarke Crabtree.

There was no shortage of people in attendance to celebrate Westchester restauranteur Richard "Dick" Clarke Crabtree in Bedford.

There was no shortage of people in attendance to celebrate Westchester restauranteur Richard "Dick" Clarke Crabtree in Bedford.

Photo Credit: Zak Failla
Richard "Dick" Clarke Crabtree died at age  84.

Richard "Dick" Clarke Crabtree died at age 84.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Bagpipes pierced an otherwise quiet morning at St. Patricks, for Crabtree, a renowned restaurateur and beloved neighbor who ran Crabtree's Kittle House in Chappaqua, was laid to rest for the final time after he passed away at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx earlier this month.

The New Rochelle native, who was an athletic star at Iona Prep, made his living in the family business at Crabtree Motors, before being hired by Ford Motor Company. After a brief stint working as a bank executive, he opened his first restaurant, Crabtree’s Plaza Inn in Crestwood in 1974.

Crabtree became a public figure in 1978 when he was named commissioner on the Westchester County Police Board, a position he held for eight years, but became a Westchester legend in 1981, when he restored and renovated the popular Kittle House in Chappaqua.

In addition to his time on the police board, Crabtree served as the chairman of the Business School Advisory Board at Westchester Community College, trustee of the New Castle Historical Society, president of the Chappaqua Rotary, and director of the Westchester and Putnam Girl Scouts of America, among other important positions. Crabtree also founded the Eastchester Rotary Club.

"We who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air," Maggie Crabtree said in a reading from a letter St. Paul sent to the Thessalonians. "Thus, we shall always be with the lord. Therefore, control one another with these words." 

Crabtree is survived by his wife, Marjorie (Mimi) Hannon; seven children; 18 grandchildren; a great grandson; many cousins; and nieces and nephews, many of whom spoke at the service.

"No matter how you knew him, Dick touched the lives of every person in this room," John Crabtree noted about his father in his eulogy. "He'll be remembered for his remarkable charm, wit, humor and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester, The Salvation Army, and the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, Garrison.

At the conclusion of his service, rosaries were handed out to all in attendance, with the request that recipients pray for Crabtree with them.

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