Frederick M. Crabtree, Sr.
November 23, 1915 ~ March 11, 2012
Of Vienna, VA., died on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at his residence. Loving husband of the late Ann Ruth Crabtree and devoted father of Joyce Cockrille and Frederick "Rick" Crabtree, Jr. He is also survived by his 2 sisters, Gaynell and Joan and 6 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Contributions may be made to Vienna Little League or Bruen Chapel Methodist Church.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Mr. Crabtree gave me my first job at the Vienna Little League Fireworks stand. He paid me with leftover fireworks….best 4th of July ever. Fred was the heart and soul of Vienna LL and a great influence of so many kids. May He Rest in Peace
I am a retired Director of the Park Authority of 35 years service, all spent working with Fred. A wonderful man, loved by all and who actually made a very positive difference in this world. A most exceptional gentleman. God blessed us with Fred Crabtree.
Forty years ago as Treasurer of VLL,I had the privilege of working closely with Fred. He was a very special man who worked hard to benefit VLL and the Fairfax Park Authority. God bless his memory. His sweet spirit will be missed by his family,his many friends and boys he coached through the years.
I was FCPA Director 89-93. Fred, as a businessman, was always helpful with our trust fund revenue requirements. But as a person, he was also insistent that all people in Fairfax county had equal opportunity to participate in the programs and services we offered as well as enjoying the parks. Today as I frequently face questions of how we can afford to pay for the disadvantaged when the money is scarce, I often use Fred’s vision of parks as a guide. A wonderful man who did much more for every Fairfax County resident, now and in the future than they will ever realize. Bill Beckner
Mr. Crabtree was an important, precious part of my church family for many years. He was just one of the “regulars” who were always there to help guide our upbringing. In later years, he was my daughter’s Sunday School teacher and my younger son had some enlightening exchanges with him regarding their common religious beliefs. I know they learned so much, by example, about being good Christians from him. He was a wonderful, giving, caring person and we would all be better human beings by emulating his legacy. His character and spirit were to be envied by all who knew him. He will be missed. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Fred and I coached together for 4 years. He was the pitching coach for the 1989 and 1990 Little League Braves that I managed. We had great seasons due to Fred’s coaching. More than a fellow coach, he was a friend. We talked often during those years and I have missed seeing him. May he rest in peace after a long and very dedicated life.
Mr. Crabtree and my dad, John Mastenbrook, first met each other while serving on the Board of the Fairfax County Park Authority. It was my blessing to see their friendship grow over the years. Several weeks before my dad passed, Mr. Crabtree came to see him. My dad was 90 and Mr. Crabtree was 94. They began talking about their experiences during WW2. Mr. Crabtree told of his time with Ernie Pyle, the famous news reporter. What a privilege to be an audience to these two great men, these two friends. I miss my dad. And, I now join those who mourn Mr. Crabtree. I am weeping with those who weep.
Mr. Crabtree was an important part of my childhood. I grew up attending Bruen Chapel and had the privilege of being in Mr. Crabtree’s Sunday School class. He had nicknames for many of us and always made learning fun. He would tell us to “Grab a handful of chair,” when he wanted us to settle down. I can still remember valuable lessons Mr. Crabtree taught us about life along with memorizing our Bible verses for points on the chart and possible trophies. In fact, I have shared his words with my own children. I also played Little League baseball along with my siblings. Mr. Crabtree had a way of making each child feel special and would talk to us individually on the fields and at the concession stand. As an adult, I would sometimes visit Bruen Chapel, with my parents Charlie and Monica Flynn. When I had the chance to see Mr. Crabtree at church, it always made the visit special. Mr. Crabtree, thank you for being such a great role model in my life. You made a difference!
Uncle Freddy was an amazing man who I will always remenber as a gentle, loving and kind hearted person who would do anything for anyone. I remember when I was a little girl, for the longest time wanting to have a Chevy Silverado pick up truck just like him…. Maybe that is where my love of Chevy’s started!?!? Or going to visit the community center or softball field with him and Nama (my grandmother Joan) on occasion. He will continue to be an inspiration for generations to come!
Thank you Fred for being such a wonderful influence on the young people of Vienna. RIP.
To the Crabtree family, Please accept my condolences. Coach Crabtree has been in the hearts of every Vienna little leaguer for more than a genteration. Know that he was always appreciated for all the time and hard work he put in for us.
I met Freddie at Bruen Chapel and after he stopped driving would sometimes pick him up to go to church and/or take him home. I learned what a good man he was on those trips. I feel truly honored to have known him.
Mr. Crabtree only needed to meet you for 10 minutes and he knew your name for life. He was a great friend to Little League — not just Vienna but all of Fairfax County. Think about it: Most parents sit in the bleachers for their child’s athletic career. Some volunteer to help while their child is playing. A precious few stay on long after the child has graduated and moved on to college. And then there is Mr. Crabtree, who volunteered his time, talents and money for more than 50 years. Fifty years! I’m not sure there’s a formula to accurately calculate the number of lives he touched during that time. Like Jimmy Linza (Hi, Jim!) I count myself among the fortunate many. Mr. Crabtree passed away only a few days ago so perhaps it is too soon to say we miss him. But we will.
I am a long time member of Bruen Chapel UMC and had the honor of knowing Freddie for many years. He taught my children in Sunday School 40 years ago. I had the pleasure of sitting with him at church on Sundays and later enjoying our social time after services where he enjoyed his coffee and sweets! On the times I took him home we had such good talks of the past. He was a very special friend to many! He will be missed.
I have so many wonderful memories of spending time with my Uncle Freddie. Many family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving Day. Sunny days at Nags Head enjoying the beach and precious family time.I will hold those memories close to my heart always. Godspeed Jennifer and Sam Courlas
Best coach ever. He made the world a better place.
Fred,I think of you often and all you ment to all of our children.You mentored so many along your way. I’m sorry to just convey these thoughts now.May you always play ball with the young angels.You were always so youthful in spirit and far sighted in the needs for the youth. Thank you my friend and mentor forever for your time, MIKE KLARE ps. When am I pitching up there?