David Crowley Sr. - Ski area owner

David Ignatious Crowley Sr., a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 69 on November 20th surrounded by the love of his family at their home in Princeton, Massachusetts. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Julie Frodigh Crowley, and their four children: David Crowley Jr. and his wife Turner, Lisbet Crowley and her husband Craig Nelson, Trudy Crowley, and Nate Crowley and his wife Paige. He was the dearly beloved grandfather of Anna and Ezra Crowley and of Lilly and Violet Nelson. David was predeceased by his parents Ralph D. Crowley Sr. and Francis A. Crowley. He is also survived by his siblings: Ralph Crowley Jr. and his wife Joan, Chris Crowley and his wife Betsy, Jeff Crowley and his wife Maureen, and Carolyn Stimpson and her husband John, along with many nieces and nephews. David ski raced at the White Mountain School near Franconia Notch, New Hampshire and Norwich University, going on to graduate from Clark University. From a young age, David worked alongside his siblings and father at their family business, Polar Beverages, folding boxes and working the night shift on the bottling line. As the family began to operate Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, David worked there doing whatever job the day called for. He eventually settled in at Wachusett as Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, and finally as General Manager, Vice President and Co-Owner.

David was known for his warm, easygoing nature, and he had a remarkable way of turning strangers into friends. Whether sharing a laugh or giving advice, David had a gift for making every moment feel extraordinary.

David’s career in the ski industry spanned nearly 60 years. He and the Crowley family helped put Wachusett Mountain on the map not only locally, but regionally and nationally. His creativity and innovations were legendary in turning the mountain from a small local ski hill into one of the best known and most respected mid-sized ski resorts in the United States. Along the way, David took on many leadership roles, which included Chairman of the National Ski Areas Association, and SnoCountry (New England Ski Areas Council). He also proudly served on the Board of Polar Beverages, YOU Inc., the Higgins Armory Museum, the Worcester and North Worcester Chamber of Commerce, Stop Handgun Violence, and Friends of Boston Homeless, as well the Board of Trustees and Members Council at the Worcester Art Museum and the Board of the New England Aquarium.

David was often sought out for advice and for his business acumen. He had a sharp understanding of Wachusett’s role in introducing skiing and snowboarding to new customers. As far back as the early 90s, he helped build the Wachusett brand with creative radio and television advertising and using the now famous “Wa-Wa-chusett” jingle. David and his family have been the recipients of numerous marketing and business awards. Outside of work, David was involved in his local community. He instilled a civic duty in his children by bringing them to town meetings while they were young. He stayed informed of local and state politics and never shied from a debate. If there was a cause he could get behind, he was there.

David was widely recognized locally, statewide, and nationally for his commitment to both family businesses, Wachusett Mountain and Polar Beverages. David’s contribution to the sport of skiing and the ski industry was truly unique. He used his bombastic humor and optimistic spirit to resolve conflict and encourage new ideas. Like his late parents, Ralph Sr. and Frannie, and his surviving four siblings Ralph, Chris, Jeff and Carolyn he leaves a legacy at Wachusett and Polar that will last forever.

David lived for his family and friends and was always up for a ‘trip of a lifetime’ whether it be big mountain skiing, golfing in Ireland, cheering on New England sports teams, boating on his beloved Buzzards Bay or even up the whole Intracoastal with his family. He loved to travel with Julie, and they went to almost every continent together.

David was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder, Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), but he never let that diminish his spirit. He was able to continue skiing with the help of the Wachusett Mountain Adaptive Program. We are forever grateful for the support of Jewish Healthcare Center Hospice and Massachusetts General Hospital FTD Unit in his care. David will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched with his kindness and adventurous spirit. His zest for life will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

The wake will be held on Monday, November 25th, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 26th, at 11 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster St., Worcester. Burial will be private.

In addition or in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Because.MassGeneral.org/DavidCrowley.