Leon Crupi

Leon "Lee" Crupi, Jr., 84, passed away unexpectedly on January 21, 2021 in his Colony Park home.

He was the loving husband of Rosemary (Gruber) Crupi, they shared 61 years of marriage.

Born in Reading, October 1, 1936, he was a son of the late Leon and Angeline (Jordan) Crupi.

He was a graduate of Reading High School in 1954 and faithfully served his country serving in the US. Army attaining the rank of SFC.

He was the longtime owner and operator of Crupi Automotive at 224 Church Street, Reading. He studied at the General Motors Institute for education. He loved cars which led him to his lifelong career as a mechanic. He enjoyed championship drag racing and built the engines for those race cars. Lee was selected for Maple Grove Dragway Walk of Fame and named to the Legion of Honor for outstanding contributions to drag racing. His race cars held 12 NHRA national records in drag racing and won several national championships.

In addition, Lee was recognized by the PA Sports Hall of Fame as a pioneer of drag racing.

An outdoorsman, he loved to hunt and enjoyed nature. Lee was a competitive trap shooter and was proud to teach and compete with his wife Rosemary. Lee was a past president and trustee of South End Gun Club, was a member Green Hills and Leesport Gun Clubs and was a member of Amateur Trapshooters of America for over 50 years.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his son, Dion Crupi, Irving, TX and his brothers, Donald, Wyomissing, and Terry J., Sr., husband of Susan, Wyomissing. Many nieces and nephews also survive him.

Lee was predeceased by his sister, Evelyn Buzby.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 10 a.m. at St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church, 2810 St. Albans Drive, Sinking Spring, PA 19608 with burial to follow at Gethsemane Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Ignatius Church at the above address. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.