James R. Crudden

James (Jim) R. “The Candyman” Crudden, 71, of New Brighton, passed away unexpectedly Friday April 2, 2021 at UPMC Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Born August 16, 1949 in Rochester the son of the late John H. and Elizabeth (Chleba) Crudden. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death was his first wife Kathleen A. Crudden.  Jim was a 1967 graduate of New Brighton High School and attended Robert Morris University, graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. Upon graduation, Jim worked at Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Beaver as a Production Coordinator and was promoted to Buyer in the Purchasing Department. In 1979 he left Westinghouse to join the family business at Rosalind Candy Castle in New Brighton. He learned the craft of making chocolates from his father, John Crudden and his uncle, Med Zaluska. Jim was the retired President of Rosalind Candy Castle.

Jim was a past executive board member and Vice President of Retail Confectioners International (RCI), Family Services of Beaver County, Merrick Art Gallery in New Brighton and the New Brighton School Board. Jim was a past advisor to Junior Achievement of South Western PA. Jim is a current member of Our Lady of the Valley, Holy Family Church and he was on the church Finance Committee and was a member of the New Brighton Business District Authority. He has received the Beaver County NAACP Community Service Award, Ben Franklin Award from the Beaver County Foundation and Beaver County Holy Name Society’s Blessed John of Vercelli Award.

Surviving are his wife of 20 years Carol A. (Marshall) Crudden, daughter Jennifer E. Crudden, Beaver, son and daughter-in-law Michael R. and Bryanne Crudden, Center Twp., two grandchildren Rosalie and Patrick Crudden, cousins Renee, Terri, Sandra and several other cousins.

Friends will be received Thursday from 2-4 & 6-8 in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, where prayer will be held Friday at 9:30am follow by Mass of Christian burial at 10:00am in Our Lady of the Valley, Holy Family Catholic Church, New Brighton.

Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, New Brighton.

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