Search Results

CRESPY -- Harry John Crespy, 1924-2009. On Friday, November 27th Harry John Crespy died at his home in Albuquerque. He brightened this world for 85 years. The son of Italian immigrant Giovanni Crespy and Angelina Esposito, Harry was born in Jersey City, New Jersey and served 26 years in the United States Air Force. First commissioned as a pilot an May 8th 1945, Harry flew both prop and jet aircraft throughout a career that saw him rise to the rank of Lt. Colonel. He retired from the Air Force in 1968 after having served twice at Kirtland AFB. While on high performance AT-6 training in Lincoln, Nebraska, he met Lorraine Gies (1926-2001). After a few flights and short romance, they married. He is survived by sons and daughters-in- law, Harry Adam and Dale Crespy of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Chuck and Leigh Crespy of Corrales and Joel and Julie Crespy of Albuquerque. As a degreed aeronautical engineer (Aeronautical University 1949), Harry worked as an Air Force liaison in the design and production of the X-B70, a Mach 3 aircraft build by North American Aviation. He subsequently was nominated for Air Force Command and Staff College and graduated in 1963, which led to his assignment in Washington, D.C. at the Atomic Energy Commission. Upon retirement from the Air Force, Harry dedicated himself to a career that built upon his expertise from his years in the Atomic Energy Commission. He accepted a position with the University of New Mexico offering short courses and seminars in disaster relief planning and emergency preparedness. This job took him throughout the State training municipal, county and state officials. Harry retired once again in 1974 to start his own business. During these years he also pursued a passion for thoroughbred racing. His joint ownership of three horses carried both him and Lorraine throughout the southwest. This was a very rewarding time in Harry's life. As a horse owner Harry regularly offered seminars in handicapping and was a frequent radio guest on KOB radio as "Harry the Hat" racing expert and prognosticator for the Triple Crown. Shortly after Harry lost the love of his life, Lorraine, in 2001, he sold his business and focused on his leisure interests. Blessed with an infectious smile and an outgoing personality, Harry actively filled every hour of every day until late in life when health concerns placed bounds on his activity but not his spirit. He brought much joy to those who knew him and his passing will leave a void in the lives of his extended family and friends. Services will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 1:00pm at French ~ Wyoming Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd NE. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to the NM Animal Humane Association, 615 Virginia SE. Albuquerque, NM, 87108. www.ahanm.org or the American Heart Association, 2201 San Pedro NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, www.americanheart.org. Please visit our online guestbook for Harry at www.RememberTheirStory.com French 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
        Published on: Tue December 01, 2009