Paul K. Crowe

Paul K. Crowe

NORTH HORNELL – Paul K. Crowe, retired Hornell Chief of Police, passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday (September 7, 2023).  Paul’s courage and dignity never wavered throughout his long battle with cancer.

Paul was born on February 15, 1950 to Paul and Gertrude Crowe, and was proud of his upbringing on the tough East Side of Hornell.  He was a member of the Hornell High School Class of 1968 and served in the United States Army Reserves, including as a Drill Instructor, from 1969-1976.  

Paul’s adult life was dedicated to serving the community of Hornell.  He joined the Hornell Police Department in 1972, and advanced through the ranks from Patrolman to Investigator, Patrol Sergeant and Captain.  On January 1, 1997, Paul was promoted to Hornell Chief of Police, a role he held with pride for a decade, until his retirement in 2007.  In addition to training and inspiring numerous local law enforcement officers over his career, and partnering with City leadership, Paul also steered the Police Department through a major capital improvement project, and he was the first administrator to secure a full accreditation for the agency.  Paul graduated from the 143rd session of the FBI’s National Academy program dedicated to developing law enforcement executives.

Paul married his wife, Barb, on August 30, 1984, and they built a beautiful life and family together.  He was a devoted husband, who provided love, support and endless humor.  Paul marveled at wildlife and nature, and he and Barb treasured their cross-country RV trip and adventures after his retirement.  They also owned and operated Zebra Paint Striping until 2013, lining roadways all over western New York.  Paul was a gifted guitar player and his music filled their home with joy and memories. 

Paul’s family was his greatest legacy.  In addition to his wife Barb, Paul is survived by his loving children, Paul Crowe, Jr., Whitney Crowe, Erin (Jamie) Edger, and Stacey (Ryan) Bentley, along with his cherished grandchildren, Kellen and Sydney Crowe, Jordan Wolcott, Kelsey and Brody Amidon, and Kylee and Payton Bentley.  Their “Bimpie” left an everlasting imprint of unconditional love.  Paul’s surviving siblings include Michael Crowe, Mary Crowe, and Kathryn Hartwell, and a sister-in-law, Ellen Crowe.  Paul was predeceased by his daughter Amy (Chalmers) Wolcott, his brother John Crowe, and sisters Patricia Capluzzi and Beverly Williams.

Paul was fortunate to have many lifelong friendships and his loyalty, strength and kindness will be remembered.  Paul’s family is also appreciative of the Hornell Police Department, the Hornell Fire Department, and the Wilmot Cancer Center 7th Floor nursing staff for the respect and care they provided in his final days.

Calling hours are 4-7 p.m. Wednesday (September 13, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday (September 14, 2023). Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

The United States flag and the Army flag will proudly fly at the Bishop -Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Pauls’ service in the Army Reserves.

Please consider sending any charitable contributions, in Paul’s name, to the Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14624 or the Hornell Alumni Association, P.O. Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Paul’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Paul are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.

Subscribe to receive updates