Glenn N. Crispell
August 19, 1938 ~ March 14, 2026
Born in:
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Resided in:
Vienna, Virginia
Glenn N. Crispell | August 19, 1938 – March 14, 2026
Glenn N. Crispell, a pioneer in workplace advocacy, a public servant of over six decades, and a devoted family man, passed away on March 14, 2026, at the age of 87.
Born on August 19, 1938, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Glenn moved to Virginia in his teens, beginning a life defined by a quiet but profound commitment to service. After enlisting in the United States Army and serving honorably, Glenn began a storied career with the Central Intelligence Agency that would span 63 years. While working full-time at the Agency, Glenn demonstrated his characteristic perseverance by earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, graduating in 1973.
Glenn’s career placed him at the heart of American history, including service to Presidents Ford and Carter while assigned to the White House Situation Room. Though his responsibilities grew over the decades—leading to his retirement as a staff officer and his subsequent return as an independent contractor—his most lasting professional legacy was serving as the Agency’s first Ombudsman.
As the CIA’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Manager and advisor to senior officials and several Directors, Glenn was a pioneering officer who provided a vital voice for employees. He helped many navigate and resolve workplace disputes with fairness and compassion. In recognition of his extraordinary service, he was awarded the Career Intelligence Medal and nominated for the Agency’s Trailblazer Award.
Beyond his professional achievements, Glenn’s heart was centered on his family and his faith. On May 5, 1962, he married his beloved wife, Ann Cronin, beginning a journey of nearly 64 years together. They settled in Vienna, Virginia, where they raised their two sons, Tom and Terry.
For almost sixty years, Glenn was a cornerstone of St. Mark’s Catholic Church. He served as a trusted usher and valued advisor to several pastors and many priests, offering the same steady guidance to his church family that he provided throughout his professional life.
Glenn was the proud father-in-law of Aileen and Kelly Crispell, and found immense joy in his role as a devoted grandfather to Drew, Shea, Connor, and Hope. One of nine children, he is survived by his siblings Harry, Carolynn, Marilynn, Doug, Gordon, and Debbie. He was preceded in death by his brothers Tom and Gary. His legacy of kindness lives on through his large extended family and the many close friends who held him in the highest esteem.
Glenn will be long-remembered for his impeccable character and deep faith—a dedicated leader and a steady pillar of support to all who knew him.
Service Information: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 23, 2026, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Vienna, VA. Following the Mass, family and friends are invited to a reception in the church’s Activities Center.
Services
Mass of Christian Burial : March 23, 2026 11:00 am
St. Mark Catholic Church
9970 Vale Road
Vienna, VA 22181
703-281-9100
http://www.stmark.org/
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An absolute rock for all who knew him. My heartfelt condolences
Glenn,
You were always a great neighbor. I hope we said thank you enough times for helping dig us out from snowstorms on Clyde Court.
-John and Sue Sweeney
Glenn was a Great American and a wonderful person. May God continue to bless his Family and Friends. Rest in Peace Glenn. Thank you for everything.
No one bore responsibility better than Glenn. He will be remembered as a leader, decisionmaker, and a man of exemplary character both as colleague and friend. It was a privilege to know him.
A truly gracious man of character, strength, and honesty. His disarming sense of humor was only surpassed by his rock-solid unwavering integrity–he will always be remembered by me as someone who didn’t just do what was right, but was always doing the right thing in his actions and in what he did for his colleagues and for his country. He was a trailblazer for many, a patriot for all, and to those fortunate to have known him, a gentleman of the highest order and manner.
Prayers being sent now from faraway Savannah.
He was Wonderful Uncle Chris, to all of us! We were the Grim’s neighbor kids, and always outside playing with them.
Aunt Ann and Uncle Chris ALWAYS took the time to say hello to us and see how we were doing. Sooo attentive and caring! I’ll never forget it!
We always loved when they’d pull in to the Grim’s driveway, because we knew they’d say hi and ask us about what games we were playing. So sweet and memorable!
Fast forward decades, and I was at St. Mark’s with my husband, teenagers, and mother. Aunt Ann and Uncle Chris always stopped by in the lobby to say hello and see how our family was doing. Their kindness and generous listening, spanned so many years! Just a truly special couple.
Uncle Chris will be sorely missed by so many, whom he inspired!!!!!
Ann, Tom, Terry and family: Glenn did difficult jobs for decades at CIA with remarkable professional skill and competence. But his exceptional empathy for others was always evident. He tackled big problems for many while he and Ann lifted spirits for us all. I am grateful for their powerful impact on the CIA family. John Gannon
Glenn always had time for others and wise advice in difficult situations. He was fair minded, approachable, open and a great listener. He was model public servant and colleague. Glenn made CIA a better place to work.
What a gentleman! He would always greet the Resurrection Choir as they came up to the Narthix on the way into church to sing at a funeral. So he was so organized and ready to help those in need.
Glenn was one of the most respectable men I ever worked with in my career. He helped me several times over the years and his patience, knowledge and fair-mindedness always resulted in balanced solutions.
Sorry for your loss
We thank and bless him for a lifetime of steadfast service to our country. A life incredibly well lived.
Glenn was my rock at work. He always made time for me serving as a sounding board or a wise sage for challenges in the workplace. We had some really good debates and interesting discussions. He was smart, funny and kind. RIP Glenn