Paul F. Crowley

December 9, 2023

Former State Representative of Scranton, Paul F. Crowley, passed away on December 9, 2023 at WellSpan Hospital in York, PA, surrounded by family.

Born on June 13, 1934, in the Bellevue section of Scranton, he dedicated his life to service and community. He was the son of the late Edward M. and Alice M. (Gunning) Crowley, graduating from West Scranton High School and the University of Scranton. Mr. Crowley, a Navy veteran of the Korean War, returned to Scranton after serving his country, becoming active in various local social and civic groups. He served as president of organizations, including Northeastern PA National Association of Accountants, The University of Scranton Purple Club (Alumni Society), and the Brotherhood of Railroad Clerks’ Union. Additionally, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Elks clubs. Mr. Crowley also served as Commander of the Koch-Conley American Legion Scranton.

Paul took great pride in his Irish heritage, traveling to Ireland with his wife Mary Lou for their 25th wedding anniversary. A member of Scranton’s Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, he was the last surviving member of the original 13 Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee members. Paul served as the parade’s President and was later honored as a Grand Marshal. He found joy in being honored and celebrating the parade’s 50th Anniversary with his family and friends in 2012.

Before moving to Mechanicsburg, PA, in 1979, Paul was employed as Vice President & Treasurer of Mark Truck Leasing Inc. of Dunmore and The Lackawanna Railroad Accounting Dept. Scranton. Elected to the State House of Representatives for Scranton’s 112th district in 1968, he served from 1969-1972. After serving in the house, Paul continued working for the State of Pennsylvania until his retirement as Director of Governmental Affairs at the Public Utility Commission (1977-1991). During his PUC years, he fought for Scranton, working to minimize utility rate increases, especially for the elderly. Paul advocated for the kidney dialysis program at Moses Taylor Hospital Scranton, assisted the hearing impaired by securing funding for the oral school building, and persuaded the PUC to establish a program offering assistance for the hearing impaired. His commitment extended to labor workers, particularly railway workers, advocating for black lung benefits for retired coal miners and their widows. After retirement, Paul served on the Executive Committee of the board of the Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees and the Pennsylvania Association of Retired Legislators.

Paul was preceded in death by his love of 58 years, Mary Lou (Nealon) Crowley, his brother John E. (Cecil), and his sister Catherine (George) Greeley. He is survived by his children: Paul (Sue), Harrisburg, Timothy, Scranton; and Mary Ellen (Primo) DiSanto Harrisburg; his six grandchildren: Caitlin (Jordan) Kaye, James, Allison, John, Kayleen, and Grace, as well as three great-grandchildren: Piper, Asher, and Aurora Kaye. Paul's legacy is one of kindness, dedication, and profound joy in helping his family, friends, neighbors, and community overcome challenges.

The funeral will be conducted on Thursday, December 14, 2023 with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 am in St. Joseph’s Church, 410 East Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday morning preceding mass at the Neill Funeral Home, 3401 Market Street, Camp Hill, from 9:15-10:15 am. Burial, with full military honors will immediately follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Frank M. Regan Funeral Home, 323 William Street, Scranton. Condolences may be expressed and stories retold on the funeral home's website, freganfuneral.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Paul's name to St. Joseph Church in Mechanicsburg or The University of Scranton Alumni Fund, honoring his legacy of service and commitment to both his faith, community, and alma mater.