Obituary of John R. Crispo

Rev. John R. Crispo, Clergy at St. Margaret’s Church in Burlington for 33 years, Pastor for the past 26 years, died from injuries sustained in a car accident, on Friday morning, October 20, 2006. He was 80 years old. Father Crispo was born and raised in Somerville. He was one of eleven children born to the late Leon and Lena (Phillion). He attended grammar school at St. Anne’s and went on to graduate from Somerville High School in 1943. After attending Boston College for a brief period of time, he entered St. John’s Seminary in Brighton. He was ordained in 1950. His first assignment as a parish priest was at Immaculate Conception Church in Newburyport, where he served for eight years. In 1958 he became the Chaplain of the Walter E. Fernald School in Waltham where he served for sixteen years. Father Crispo came to Saint Margaret’s Church on November 27, 1973 as an Associate Pastor. He was appointed pastor on January 25, 1980. The parishioners of St. Margaret’s have been blessed to have Father Crispo as part of their lives for the past 33 years. He was both a spiritual leader and a friend to many people both within the parish and throughout the community of Burlington. He was there for his parishioners and friends in the high and low points of their lives through the countless Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, weddings, funerals, sick visits, and anniversaries. His vocation was filled with warmth, compassion, and a little bit of humor. His presence at Golf Tournaments, the Knights of Columbus, Sunday morning breakfasts, card games, dedications, and holidays made the events more special. Father Peter Shen, Priest in residence at St. Margaret’s Church said, Fr. John Crispo, A priest of Jesus. He was a man of peace: he always trusted God, and that deep trust in God makes him a person of joy and peace. He was a man of integrity: he preached what he believed; and lived what he preached. He was a man of prayer: and his prayer makes him an outstanding priest, a holy man. He was a true friend who is sincere and honesty, who is kind and generous, who is always there being with you in time of need. He was a good priest because he was a good human being; he was a good man, and thus he was a good priest. Heaven now has a god friend who will always watch over us and pray for us, and this friend is Fr. Crispo. Fr. Crispo, I am happy for you; but my heart is broke now. I can not express how sad I am in losing you. You have been my best friend, my mentor, my joy. I will always remember you and love you from the bottom of my heart. Fr. Crispo was also deeply devoted to his family. He was always a source of strength to them. He was a very special brother, uncle and great uncle. He took pride in his families achievements. He looked forward each year to attending the Boston College vs. Northeastern Hockey game where he watched his great nephew play for Northeastern. His family and Somerville roots where very important to him. Father John Crispo leaves a legacy of friendships and faith. Fr. Crispo is the brother of Leon G. Crispo of FL, Mary Eremian of Beverly, Margaret A. Larivee of Arlington, James R. Crispo of Reading, Fred W. Crispo of Andover, Alfred E., Philip R., Robert A. Crispo all of Somerville and the late Rita L. Collins and Timothy J. Crispo. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. BR> A reception of Fr. Crispo into St. Margaret’s Church will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 25. Fr. Crispo will lie in state at St. Margaret’s Church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. An evening vigil service will be held at 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Margaret’s Church on Thursday, October 26 at 11 a.m. Interment in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Relatives, friends, and parishioners are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers memorials in Fr. John Crispo’s name may be made to St. Margaret’s Building Fund, 111 Winn St., Burlington, MA 01803.