Robert W. Crisci

Bob Crisci died peacefully in his home at the Barrington of Carmel on September 11, 2024 in the company of his loving family. He was 93 years old.

Bob’s story began in Pittston, Pennsylvania on November 15, 1930 born as the third child to Rose (Uritz) Crisci and Melchiorre (aka Michael) Crisci. His parents came to the United States from Italy in the early 1900’s bringing all the Italian old-world culture along with them. Family, Faith and Food are the cornerstones of any strong Italian family and Bob lovingly accepted responsibility for all three. He grew up with his two brothers Michael and George, and a younger sister Rose Marie, and dozens of cousins. His mom was one of ten children so the extended family was very large and together frequently for holidays and life events giving Bob the experience of well-practiced faith, traditions, Italian culture and cherished family recipes, such as spaghetti and meatballs, Easter Pizza, Braciole, and Italian Ricotta Cookies.

When Bob attended West Pittston High School he longed to play football like his older brothers. At the time, Bob was a small, skinny kid and didn’t get much playing time but after a summer as a Gandy Dancer he had all the bulk needed to become a highly skilled defensive lineman on the historic championship team which allowed only 12 points to be scored against them all season. Bob’s play was noticed by the scouts at University of Arizona and he was offered a scholarship however, an appendicitis attack changed the course of history, landing Bob in the Army instead. He was stationed at Camp Atterbury where quite by chance, on a broken down bus he encountered a gorgeous red-head Marilyn Battreall. She boarded the bus in Defiance, Ohio and he knew as soon as he laid eyes on her, that this was the girl he would marry. And sure enough less than one year later, they were married at the Camp Atterbury Chapel with a full military ceremony on September 29, 1951.

Following an overseas deployment to Germany, Bob returned to Indianapolis, where he and Marilyn started a family. Cindy was born first, followed 11 months later by identical twins, Debbi and Carole, another 18 months later Mary Anne, followed 18 months later by Cathy. Then came the Boys, Rob, Chris, Mark, Mike and Stan all ten within a 14 year time span.

It was pure chaos most of the time, with threats of “wait till your father gets home” on a very frequent basis. Bob ran the family operation with the skills of an Army Drill Sergeant and yet also with a big soft heart. For most of his life, Bob made great sacrifices to provide adequately for his growing family. The grocery bill alone would scare a wealthy man and the Crisci’s were a self-made, start-from-scratch kind of family. Bob worked long hours during the day at Indiana Bell Telephone while taking part time jobs in the evening to “make ends meet”. Busy as he was, he would still find time to cook up spaghetti and meatballs with his special sauce that no one has ever been able to duplicate. Our family is forever grateful for the many life lessons he modeled and shared with us over the years such as always doing your best work, taking accountability for your actions, showing humility and respect for others, having Faith in God even in your darkest hour and the joy of a Father’s unconditional love.

Bob spent 30 years at Indiana Bell Telephone, working his way up the ladder from lineman to Engineering Department Management. He was selected to attend special training at MIT which prepared him for the next generation of breakthrough technologies such as fiber optic cable. Upon retiring from Indiana Bell, he continued to provide consulting services for Hancock Rural Telephone Company, a job he enjoyed until his 88th birthday.

To us he was part of the Greatest Generation of Americans. He served his country, and he was a man of faith, family, integrity, honor, discipline and the highest character. He had a huge loving heart, and a welcoming spirit for all who had the pleasure of knowing him. That special twinkle in his eye was ever present whether he was beaming with pride about his kids, tickling a grandchild with glee, sharing a hot stock tip, sharing his love of golf or hyping his favorite teams such as Notre Dame Football and the New York Yankees. 

He loved Marilyn with his last breath and his care for her is remarkable as he endured his own illnesses while nursing her back to health. He died just 3 weeks to the day of losing the love of his life and we picture him dancing with his Mimi to Frank Sinatra and dipping his finger in the frosting as they waltz by the cake table.

Bob was a founding member of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church. 

In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Marilyn, he was preceded in death by his sister, Rose Marie Crisci; two brothers, Michael Crisci and George Crisci; daughter, Carole Crisci; two grandsons, Crew Long and Joshua Jones; and his son-in-law Joe Carman.

He is survived by his children, Cindy Carman, Debbi Turner, Mary Anne Crisci, Cathy Mecker (Mark), Rob Crisci (Debbie), Chris Crisci, Mark Crisci (Katherine), Michael Crisci (Tammie), and Stan Crisci (Michelle). He is also survived by eighteen grandchildren and another ten great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 10655 Haverstick Road. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. A reception will follow the service and interment.  Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.