John Charles Crutcher passed away on August 20, 2024, in Nashua, New Hampshire, at the age of 74. He adored literature, sports, music, and travel, but his family was the light of his life. John was also a dedicated political and community activist with great hope for the country’s future.
John was born on October 7, 1949, to William and Joana (Barker) Crutcher in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Growing up, he was very involved in the church and faith became a cornerstone of his life.
A voracious reader, John enjoyed a career in publishing that spanned decades, marketing books to independent bookstores and major chains across the country. He also owned a bookstore in Westchester County, NY, and co-founded Bloomberg’s Book Group. Career and family provided John with the opportunity to live in many regions, nationally and internationally. His last two decades were spent in New Jersey, the United Kingdom, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
In retirement, John dedicated his time to family and community. He coached his two children’s soccer teams and volunteered at their schools, his churches, and several social service agencies supporting low-income families, the hungry, addicted, and unhoused. In Princeton, he served on the Board of Crawford House and was a Deacon at Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church. John helped at his children’s schools and staffed a UK phone bank focused on recovery. Most recently, John was active with the United Way of Greater Nashua, providing literacy education for children and adults, and volunteering at food and school supply drives.
John was predeceased by his parents William and Joana, and sister-in-law Autumn (Goodwin) Crutcher. He is survived by his wife Beth (Stone) Crutcher; children Zachary (Kathryn Franz) and Kira Crutcher; siblings Lynne (Gary) Bird, Wynne Foote, and Lee Crutcher, as well as extended family and friends he dearly loved.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 22, in the Chapel at Trinity Episcopal Church, 33 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ, with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to United Way, The Humane Society, Common Cause, or a charity that represents what John meant to you.
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