It is with sadness and gratitude for a life devoted to faith and service that we announce the passing of Father Joseph William Crispo, who died peacefully at St. Martha’s Hospital on May 2, 2026, after a brief illness. Father Bill was the beloved son of the late Mark and Beatrice (King) Crispo. He is survived by his loving sisters: Myrtle and Marie Crispo of Guysborough; Leonie Almeda of Antigonish; Leola Connor of Halifax; and Dolores (Lloyd) LeBlanc of Port Elgin, Ontario, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers James and Leon Crispo; his sisters Theresa (John) Marko and Yvonne (Fernand) Dufour; his brother-in-law Blake Connor; and his sister-in-law Pam (Ed) Stanislavski.
He attended Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax and was ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 1967, at St. Ninian’s Cathedral in Antigonish by Bishop William Power.
Father Bill began his ministry as an assistant priest at St. Anthony’s in Glace Bay, St. Joseph’s in Bras d’Or, Stella Maris Parish in Inverness, and St. Theresa’s Parish in Sydney. From 1973 to 1976, he furthered his studies in Religious Education at Boston College, earning an M.Ed. Upon returning, he served briefly at Holy Family Parish before being appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in North Sydney in 1978. In 1980, he also obtained a Teacher Diploma in Religious Education.
A dedicated servant of the Church, Father Bill also contributed to diocesan leadership. In 1978, he was appointed to the Senate of Priests and later served as Chair of the Diocesan Vocation Committee for three years. In 1980, he was elected to the Personnel Board, where he served for three years. He continued his service, completing a six-year term as Chair of the Pension Society in 2016.
From 1984 to 1991, he served as Pastor of Stella Maris Parish in Inverness and as Administrator of St. Margaret’s Parish in Broad Cove. He was then appointed Rector of St. Ninian’s Cathedral in Antigonish, where he faithfully served from 1991 to 2000. Following a one-year sabbatical, Father Bill continued his pastoral ministry as Pastor of St. Lawrence in Mulgrave, St. Francis in St. Francis Harbour, and later St. Joseph in Port Hawkesbury. Father Bill retired in 2007, but his commitment to the Church remained strong. In recent years, he resided at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home in Antigonish.
Affectionately known as “Father Bill,” he will be remembered for his warmth, friendship, and inspiring homilies, often ending with a gentle touch of humour that brought comfort and joy to those who heard him. Father Bill’s life was a testament to faith, humility, and dedicated service.
Father Bill will rest in St. Paul’s Church, Havre Boucher, on Wednesday, May 6, from 2 to 4 pm. A Vigil Service will be held at 7 pm in St. Paul’s Church, followed by Visitation until 9 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Paul’s Church at 10:00 am on Thursday with Bishop Kirkpatrick presiding. Burial in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Father Bill’s family.
May eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May Father Bill’s soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com