Joseph Lucien Crevier
Date of Passing:
Crevier, Joseph Lucien ( Captain, East Providence Police Department, Retired ) 97 formerly of Riverside passed away on May 21, 2021. He was predeceased by his beloved Wife Edna R. ( Fratus ) Crevier of 69 years and 8 months.
Born in Providence, RI he was the son of Abel J. Crevier and Yvonne ( St. Cyr ) Crevier.
Crevier served in the US Navy from July 1942 to July 1948 and was a Gunner’s Mate aboard the USS Rodman, DD 456 – DMS 21 from October 1942 until July 1948. While aboard the Rodman Crevier saw extensive action in both Europe and the Pacific.
The Rodman took part in the invasion of French West Africa in November 1942, the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach, Normandy on June 6, 1944; the Shootout for the Port Cherbourg, France on June 25, 1944 and was the lead Destroyer in the invasion of Southern France on August 15, 1944 at St. Tropez, France.
In November 1944 the Rodman returned to the Boston Navy Yard to be converted to a Destroyer Mine Sweeper and transferred to the Pacific – Asiatic Fleet. While in Boston Crevier was granted a 10 day leave and married Edna on November 16, 1944.
In the Pacific the Rodman took part in the invasion of Okinawa in April of 1945. On April 6, 1945 while on mine sweeping duty the Rodman and her sister ship USS Emmons DD 457 – DMS 22 took part in one of the longest Naval vs. aerial battles of the war when they were attacked by 50 Kamikaze planes. The battle lasted for 2 1/2 hours. Rodman was credited with downing 13 Kamikaze planes but was stuck by 3 with 16 crew members killed in action and 22 wounded. The Emmons was credited with downing 15 Kamikazes but was stuck by 5 and due to extensive damage was lost in action with 60 killed and 77 wounded. US Marine fliers also took part in the battle and were credited with downing many of the Kamikaze planes.
After temporary repairs the Rodman was taken back to Charleston, SC to be repaired for the invasion of Japan. However, with the end of the war the Rodman saw no further action.
Crevier received the WWII Victory Medal; the Combat Action Ribbon with 6 Battle Stars; the US Navy Commendation medal; the Europe, Africa, Middle East Commemoration Medal with 4 Battle Stars; the Asiatic – Pacific Victory Medal with 2 Battle Stars; and The Legion of Honor from France for his duty to France during WWII.
Crevier was appointed to the East Providence Police force in March 1950 where he served in all divisions within the Department before retiring as Captain / Commander of Detectives in December 1985. He was an instructor in Criminal Investigation at the University of Rhode Island Criminalists School for 20 years and also at the RI Municipal Police Academy for 15 years.
He was a member and Past Commander of the American Legion, Post 10 Riverside for over 60 years; a life member of the VFW; a life member of the Tin Can Sailors of America and a member of the East Providence Police Beneficial Association for many years, serving as both President and Secretary.
In addition to seven Grandchildren and twelve Great Grandchildren, Crevier is survived by his three children, Marylou Gillen and her Husband John of Coventry, Mark Crevier and his Wife Sandy of Saunderstown and Marcia Ann Miller and her Husband Joe of Riverside.
He was predeceased by his Brothers Lizon Crevier of West Warwick, Norman Crevier of Riverside and his Sister Monica Matteson of Peeaukee, WI.
His funeral will be held from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside on Wednesday May 26, 2021 at 8:45 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Brendan Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside at 10 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Rhode Island Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Calling hours are Tuesday 5-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations to the East Providence Police Beneficial Association, 750 Waterman Ave, East Providence, RI 02914 would be appreciated.
Joe you truly were one of a kind! Even on some of the worst days you knew how to get us all laughing! I will truly miss you. You were one of my favorite residents by far. “Give em hell, kid.” I’ll always remember that. My condolences to the entire Crevier family.
My condolences to the Crevier family. He was a true gentlemen. The City and the Country are thankful for his service and sacrifice.
One of the finest gentlemen I have ever had the privilege to meet
Mark,Sandy and Family…My condolences to the entire family. Mark, while we were in college I knew about your Dad as a detective for the EP Police Department, but his service to the country leaves an even greater legacy for us all! I agree with the gentleman who stated that a book should be written about him. I treasure my own Dad’s diaries from his war years…we are made of good stuff. Thanks for sharing his life.
Marcia and family, I am so sorry for your loss. He was truly a wonderful man . I have fond memories of both he and your mom as we grew up on the Terrace.
He and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Because the Crevier family all decided to name the boys Joseph Crevier they all had to go by their middle names. My father in law was Joseph Robert “Bob”Crevier. Of course we named our first son
after him as well so he was Joseph Robert Crevier II . When he was four or five and we saw Joseph Crevier listed in The East Providence Post as the leader of the Memorial Day Parade we decided to tell our Joey he had to lead the parade. After all it said so in the paper ! We thought he would be terrified but instead he boldly replied “Ok what do I have to do?” We laughed at that for years.
Our condolences to you all. He was a great role model for the Crevier name .
I worked with Joe my entire career with the EPPD and can it was an honor to know him. My condolences to his entire family. Captain Joe, thank you for your service to our country, state, city and Department. Rest in peace brother.
My condolences to the Crevier family. It was an honor to learn from and work with Captain Joe. I will always fondly remember his great wit. Rest in Peace, Captain, you made the world a better place.
Deepest sympathies Mark on the loss of your father…and to the entire family
Dear Mark, Sandy & Family,
We are sorry to hear of the passing of your father Joseph. Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy are with you at this difficult time.
God Bless, Anthony & Lucille Boscia
Captain Crevier was a true “cop’s cop”. I so enjoyed his instruction both at the Academy in 1975 and The Crime School in 1992. I made his day when in the Crime School we had to make an album of all photographs we took and developed manually. I snuck in a still shot from an Xrated movie in my album. He got me aside, we had a good laugh and I received an “A” on my project. Just a great guy…Rest easy Sir!
My condolences to the Crevier family. It was an honor and a privilege to have known and worked for Captain Crevier. His knowledge of policing and crime scene evidence was second to none. May he RIP.
My condolences to the Crevier family. I truly enjoyed working and learning from the best. Joe was a credit to the Police Department and to to the U.S.Navy. A great mentor to all that knew him, not to mention his great since of humor. You will be sadly missed.
If ever there was a classic example of an Officer and a Gentleman it would be Captain Joe Crevier.
Thanks Captain for all of your expertise and guidance. It was a true honor to serve with you. RIP
Of all my teachers, colleagues, and instructors, Capt Joe Crevier will be remembered as the very best. He had a way about him that made learning interesting. Never shy with a colorful word or two. He made learning fun.
I am truly happy to have had Joe apart of career and apart of my life. I have always considered him to be my mentor.
If you were fortunate to have been instructed by Capt Crevier you should be able to finish this sentence. “Don’t touch a thing, don’t touch a damn thing, don’t touch……………”.
RIP Captain
My condolence to the Crevier Family on Capt. Joe passing. I have worked with the (Capt.) for many years in my years of law enforcement with the city of East Providence. He was a good model and an excellent BCI.
Taught me a lot working with him.
CPT Crevier was an outstanding person. I remember him when I was a young police cadet at EPPD, he always had time for us young kids who were trying to become police officers. RIP Captain
My condolences to the Crevier family. Captain Crevier was one of the finest officers I ever worked for. A true cop and gentleman
To the Crevier family I send my condolences and the appreciation of knowing him. He treated my children as members of his own family always. I know they will never forget his many kindnesses as will I..
My deepest condolences to the Crevier family. As an instructor at the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy and Detective Commander at the East Providence Police Department, Captain Crevier set benchmarks reached by so few. He led by example both on and off the job. A true inspiration in police work. May he Rest In Peace. ?
I had the pleasure of meeting “Joe” at the RI Crime Lab (class of 1986). He had a unique way of simplifying difficult concepts which made him a great teacher. Likewise these qualities made him a great leader and I’m sure a good Boss to work for. East Providence Police Officers should be very proud to count him among their ranks. He was yet another example of the “Greatest Generation.” Rest in Peace Joe.
I had both the pleasure and honor to know Capt. Joe Crevier from his days of teaching at the RI Municipal Police Academy and with the East Providence Police Department. Joe was a guy’s guy, cops’ cop, the real deal. He didn’t pull any punches and could be trusted to give you his very best. His knowledge of criminal investigations was well known and respected throughout the Law Enforcement community. I wish I could have talked to him about his military service. Not too many were able to say that saw action in both the European and Pacific Theaters during WWII. For those who had the chance to be one of Joe’s criminal justice students, you will appreciate his trademark comment “I don’t talk fast, you write slow!” RIP Captain Crevier. It was a pleasure to know you.
I had the pleasure of having the Captain as an instructor at the academy and at the URI/BCI course. I always enjoyed his humor and he used it to make his classes the most enjoyable and memorable. Thank you for your service to our country, our state, and the people of East Providence. Condolences to his family and may you cherish all his accomplishments. RIP.
Condolences on the passing of Captain Crevier. I knew Joe as an instructor at the URI/State Crime Laboratory course: Criminal Investigation: Scientific Evidence, better known as the URI BCI course.
His wit and wisdom made him one of the best instructors next to Major John Powers, Dr. David DeFanti, Chief Clint Salisbury, Lt. Edward Downing, and others.
He will be missed, but he will be remembered by those whom he instructed at the BCI school, at the East Providence PD, and the Municipal Police Training Academy!
I worked with Capt. Joe my entire career. It was always a pleasure to work under him and learn from his guidance. His knowledge of police work was impressive. He was well known throughout the law enforcement community and admired. EPPD was so lucky to have him. Thanks Joe for your military and police service for this country. My sympathy goes out to all of Joe’s family. May you Rest In Peace Brother.
Our condolences and thoughts are with the Crevier family. What an amazing man who’s legacy will live on!
Love,
Sarah, Justin, Veda ans Trent Larson
RIP Capt.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Captain Crevier. Another member of the Greatest Generation that we all learned so much from. Thank you for your service to our country, the City of East Providence and police officers throughout our state:
My condolences to the Crevier family, Mark and Marcia. Mr. Crevier was a very sweet man. So sorry for your loss.
So Sorry For Your Loss
My deepest condolences to the Crevier family. I worked my entire career with Joe and always had a deep appreciation of his skill and talent for police work. He was well known in the entire police community for his exceptional talent. It was always a pleasure to work under him and to have his guidance. He was a top rated officer on the job. Thanks Capt. Joe for your lifetime of service to the military and police. You will be greatly missed by so many. Rest In Peace Brother.
RIP Cap! Man you had a good run of it. It was a great honor and privilege to serve with you. My sincere condolences to the Crevice Family and friends. He was one of the best.
To the Crevier Family,So sorry for your loss.May he R.I.P. & God Bless.
Joe was a trustworthy, intelligent, and skilled
police officer having done work on the street,
BCI, and detectives.
He also had the thing that really matters and
is common sense and a true balance in dealing
with his comrades and as a supervisor.
I always had great respect for his talent and
considered him a friend.
He was known all over the state and beyond for
his many skills in forensics.
He has a great family, and Beverly and I and
our family send our sincere condolences.
I was proud to have worked with him for those decades
Condolences to the Crevier family. Captain Crevier was a great person to work with on the police department. He could always find a touch of humor in stressful situations. He will be greatly missed.
RIP Cap’n Joe. During my police career, many officers from around the state would mention that they had Joe as an instructor at the academy or the URI BCI course. When it came to crime scenes and fingerprints, HE was the guy to call. Proud to work with you sir. Thanks for your service to the country, the state, and the City of EP. Go NAVY.
My sincere condolences to the Crevier family. Captain Joseph Crevier served his country and the East Providence Police Department with honor and distinction. He was a “cop’s cop”, and a great supervisor, leader, instructor, and friend. His legacy will live on in the history of EPPD forever. I have such great memories of your dad.