J. Barry McCrudden's Obituary
J Barry McCrudden died peacefully in his home in Seminole, FL surrounded by family on March 23, 2018. He was 76.
Barry was born on June 5, 1941 in Phoenixville, PA to the late Joseph and Loretta (Taney) McCrudden. He was predeceased by his brother William and sister Patricia (Thomas). He grew up in Audubon, PA and attended Bishop Kenrick high school in Norristown, PA where he met his wife of 54 years, Martha “Honey” (Saxon). Barry worked multiple jobs including utility lineman to put himself through college. He attended Villanova, Ursinus, and graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University while working full time and raising his family.
Barry worked at Phoenix Steel rising from the steel mill to become Vice President of Sales. He later became President/CEO of Massachusetts Materials Research Inc, before retiring in 2004. He moved his family multiple times up and down the east coast as he ascended the corporate ladder. Acquiring speed boats and enjoying time on the water were passions that Barry enjoyed and instilled in his family. Everyone visiting the lake house in Tega Cay, SC was required to give water skiing a try.
During his active life, Barry was a member of the Jaycees and a volunteer at Guardian Ad Litem where he represented disadvantaged youths. Barry was an energetic scout leader and sports coach for his children. His interests included travel, golf, tennis and boating. He enjoyed trips on smaller cruise lines with close friends Father Gasper Genuardi and cousin James McCrudden. Newspaper editors along the east coast can now relax at not having the pressure of deciding whether to print one of Barry’s editorial pieces.
Barry is survived by his beloved wife Honey McCrudden and his children: Barry Joseph “BJ” McCrudden (Nancy) Haddonfield, NJ, Tom McCrudden (Leslie) Tequesta, FL, Kristen Needham (Jerry), Seminole, FL, seven grandchildren: Kaitlyn & Natalie McCrudden; Leigha & Jack McCrudden; Madison, Abigail & Reece Needham, and his faithful companion Duke.
A memorial Mass will take place on Friday, April 27 at 10:00 am at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Clearwater with burial to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Lung Association (http://www.lung.org/).
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