Ernest R. Crawford

Ernest "Ernie" Crawford, age 77, a longtime resident of Stoughton, MA, passed away from a lengthy illness on January 2, 2026, at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL. Born in Boston to the late Francis A. Crawford and Annie (Dykens) Crawford, Ernie grew up in South Boston before moving with his family to Stoughton at age 12. He graduated from Stoughton High School in 1966. He was the beloved fiancé and longtime partner of Diane Allen of Brockton/Stoughton, retiring together recently to The Villages, FL.

Ernie was also predeceased by his brothers, Francis A. Crawford, Jr. of Texas and Robert A. Crawford of Nova Scotia. In addition to his fiancée Diane, he is survived by his adored children, Christine A. Crawford of Stoughton along with Michael S. Crawford and his wife, Jennine of West Bridgewater, plus his precious grandchildren, Michael Robert and Charlotte Grace. He is also survived by his loving sister, Janice A. Carroll and her husband Ed of The Villages, FL, his sisters-in-law Sophia Crawford and Joanne Crawford, and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members. His greatest titles in life were Dad and Grandpa, and he was the best at both.

Starting at the Quincy Shipyards to Brockton’s Vacuum Tube Industries, Ernie was a master electrician with an entrepreneurial spirit, with a long and storied career, including co-owning Design Systems Electric in Middleboro. Ernie proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves in the 1970’s. He enjoyed his 12 years as a coach for Stoughton Little League, building the confidence of countless ball players. His healthy, workout lifestyle and signature mustache earned him the nickname 'Hulk Hogan' among the league players and families.

Ernie was an outdoor man and enjoyed going to the beach, fishing, kayaking, lobstering, snorkeling, ice skating, scuba diving, and most recently, golfing. His favorite times for the past 30 summers have been on the outer Cape Cod, camping (aka “glamping”) making wonderful friends, hanging with the “courtyard crew” at Adventure Bound, CLR.

He always loved playing his guitar at home and had recently started taking lessons. Fun times were had at Jimmy Buffett concerts at “Great Woods”. He loved all sports, especially watching Patriots football, Bruins hockey, Red Sox baseball and his grandchildren’s sporting events. Ernie loved his vacation trips to Canada, Florida, Bonaire, and Aruba. For years, he was an active and avid member of sports gyms, calling himself a “gym rat”. Through both his wit and wisdom, Ernie made numerous friends no matter where he went.

Visiting Hours will be held in the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St., (Rte. 27) Stoughton, MA on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 10 AM-12 Noon followed by a Funeral Service at 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ernest’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, at donate.cancer.org or by mail to PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.