Harold F. Crowley, 90, of Boston’s South End and formerly of Milton, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Harold is survived by his beloved wife Mary Donna (Gaspar) Crowley and their five children: Dante Vallance; Myles Crowley and his husband Steve Auger; Neil Crowley and his wife Cindy Proctor Crowley; Deirdre Crowley; and Owen Crowley and his partner Christina Afante; five grandchildren: Caeli Crowley, Brendan Crowley, Lauren Vallance, Owen Ortiz and Shona Ortiz; and a great-grandson Benjamin.

Harold is also survived by his brothers: Rev. Daniel J. Crowley, Rev. Richard P. Crowley, Charles S. Crowley, all of Mattapoisett. He was predeceased by brother Rev. John D. Crowley, parents Harold and Margaret Crowley, and aunt Helen (Crowley) Callahan. Harold’s family lived in Lowell before moving to Concord Avenue in Milton.

As well, Harold will be missed by family and friends near and far including a dear group of friends called the Book-Skis.

He graduated valedictorian from Milton High School in 1949. He received a BFA from the Massachusetts School of Arts graduating in 1953. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in December, 1953 and served as a Draftsman/Illustrator in H.Q., 8th Army, Seoul, Korea. At the Boston Museum School, he graduated with a diploma in 1958 and then completed a year of graduate work. Shows of his paintings were held in New York City, Rhode Island and Boston. Besides being a prolific photographer, Harold produced five original 16 mm films and collaborated on two others.

Harold was recruited to work as an Artist-Photographer for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health starting in July 1958. Harold’s art adorned publications like the Drivers’ License Manual, used for many years. Eventually, he completed 34-years of service with Commonwealth before accepting early retirement in 1992.

He moved to the South End in 1956 and in 1965, he and Donna bought a Victorian brick row house. The building had been a single-room occupancy lodging house like many buildings in the neighborhood. He cherished this home and the views from its windows. In retirement, Harold enjoyed more time to paint and draw and exhibit his art at the South End Library and during Open Studios weekends. A large one-day retrospective exhibit was produced by his family in 2001.

Harold expressed no regrets about his life and he fought to the end to return home. He left this world with the care, love and prayers of so many, for which his family will be forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks kindly that you consider a donation in Harold’s name to the Mass Art Foundation, 621 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115 or https://massart.edu/give