The Sgt. Russell L. Crupe, Jr. Fund was created by Russell L. and Heidi Crupe in memory of their son, Sgt. Russell L. Crupe, Jr. The fund will support the Avella Area Public Library and Citizens Library.
Sgt. Crupe graduated from Avella High School in 1998 and was a lieutenant and director of field operations for NSA Security Forces. He served two years of active duty in the Navy and, for the last six years, was a member of the Army National Guard and Army Reserves
During his time in the Guard, he served a tour of duty in Iraq as a combat engineer. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with star, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with device, Combat Action Badge, and Driver and Mechanic Badge with clasp.
Sgt. Crupe was a member of Jefferson Avenue United Methodist Church, VFW 927, and American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175. He enjoyed roller hockey, dart ball, pool, hunting, fishing, and landscaping, but his great passion was reading. This is what led his parents to direct his memorial fund at the Community Foundation to support two local libraries.