Richard Crabtree, Owner of Chappaqua’s Kittle House, Dies at 84
Richard (Dick) Clarke Crabtree died peacefully on Dec. 12 at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx with his family by his side at the age of 84.
Crabtree was born on Oct. 3, 1930, in New Rochelle and raised there by his parents Joseph and Irene. He attended Iona Prep where he excelled in sports, especially track, setting multiple records, including in the 440-yard and 220-yard dash, which stood for many decades. He attended both Notre Dame and Georgetown University where he studied business, and in 1952, he married Marjorie (Mimi) Hannon, a model, his childhood sweetheart and dedicated wife until his death.
Dick served in the U.S. Coast Guard in1953 and 1954 before entering the family automobile business, Crabtree Motors, where he took charge of the used car division and introduced the concept of certified pre-owned vehicles. He was hired by Ford Motor Company as northeast manager of Edsel Car Dealership Sales, and despite the short-term success of the project, was proud that each of the dealerships that he established survived the Edsel debacle to become thriving businesses.
Crabtree then worked as a bank executive at both Citibank and Marine Midland Bank, but eventually realized his true calling was to utilize his prolific people skills in the restaurant business.
He opened his first restaurant, Crabtree’s Plaza Inn in Crestwood in 1974 to great critical acclaim, and then in 1981, he purchased a popular landmark in Chappaqua, the Kittle House. He completely restored the building and the business as the preeminent restaurant and inn in Westchester County.
Among his numerous community positions, Crabtree served as a commissioner of the Westchester County Police Board from 1978-1986; chairman of the Business School Advisory Board at Westchester Community College, trustee of the New Castle Historical Society; president of Chappaqua Rotary, director of Westchester/Putnam Girl Scouts of America; president of the Boys & Girls Club, Myrtle Beach; and as Prior to the Sovereign Military Order of the Knights Templar. He also served in the New York Guard from 1992 until he retired in 1999 as a brigadier general. In 1984, Crabtree received the Westchester County Distinguished Service Award.
He will be greatly missed by the multitudes whose lives he touched. No matter how many hats he wore, and uniforms he donned, Dick never lost his energy for life and compassion for the people around him, and wherever he walked, the world was at least a little bit brighter. He will be forever remembered as a man “larger than life” with a charm, wit, humor and compassion that were truly remarkable.
He is predeceased by his brother, Robert, and sister Joan Mackin. He is survived by his wife, Mimi, seven children, 18 grandchildren, one great-grandson and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends and family at Cassidy Flynn Funeral Home in Mount Kisco on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Friday, Dec. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral service will take place at St. Patrick’s Church in Bedford on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 9:45 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester, the Salvation Army and Graymoor Spiritual Life Center.
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