Feb. 26, 2014:  Dr. Richard P. Crinigan, Jr. died peacefully at home in Watervliet, New York, on February 22, 2014, in the company of his devoted wife of 63 years, Patricia Braun Crinigan.

Dr. Crinigan was born in Albany, New York, on July 3, 1926, to Richard Patrick, Sr. and Marie Noonan Crinigan. He was a proud graduate of Christian Brothers Academy, Class of 1944, and was honored with its Distinguished Alumni Award in 2003.

He enlisted in the Navy and attended Officer Candidate School at Dartmouth College. After receiving an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, Dick graduated from the Columbia University College of Optometry and later received his doctorate from the Massachusetts College of Optometry.

Dr. Crinigan was a practicing optometrist in the Albany area for 50 years, retiring as chief of optometry at the Veterans Administration Medical Center. He served his profession nobly as president of the New York State Optometric Association.

A communicant of St. Brigid's Church in Watervliet, he served as president of its Holy Name Society.

His greatest loves and sources of pride were his family. In addition to his wife, Patricia, he is survived by his daughters, Margaret "Peggy" (late husband, John) Connors of White Plains and Mary Patricia Crinigan Marvin and her husband, Bradford, Jr. of Bronxville. The lights of his life were his four grandchildren, Caroline Braun Marvin of Brooklyn, Ann Catherine Connors of White Plains, and Christine Elizabeth Connors and Bradford Marvin, III, both of New York City.

A family man to the core, he cherished his extended family and friends: Eleanor Cundiff MacFarland, Kathryn Cundiff Stratman, Fred and the late Mary Kennedy Harrigan, Eileen and the late Bob Schneider, Janet and Bill Girvin, and all the spouses, nieces, and nephews.

Dick also enjoyed many happy times with his friends from Watervliet, CBA, the Knights of Columbus Golf League, and his weekend home in Green Mansions, Warrensburg, NY.

The family extends a special thank-you to his devoted caregivers, Kim, Lisa, Marcy, Mary, Nicole, and Tanya, and thoughtful friends, Audrey and Anne G., as well as all his caring neighbors and friends, with a special thank-you to the members of Watervliet's police and fire departments.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, February 25, at 10:00 am in the church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 25th Street and 7th Avenue, Watervliet, where the Reverend L. Edward Deimeke, pastor, officiated.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dick's beloved Christian Brothers Academy, 12 Airline Drive, Albany, NY 12205.