David Bruce Crouse, Sr.

Virginia Beach - On the evening of September 2, 2018, David, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia from cancer.

David was born in Kelly Township, Pennsylvania, to Russel Crouse and Elizabeth Crouse on October 26, 1936. He graduated from Forest Park High School in Forest Park, Georgia in 1954 and went on to earn an Associates of Science Degree from York Junior College, in York, Pennsylvania. From there he attended Georgetown University in Washington, DC where he received his Doctor of Dental Science degree in 1962.

David practiced dentistry in Arlington, Virginia for 33 years. A formative event in his married life was his wife Carole’s diagnosis of polycystic kidney and liver disease. She later received a life-saving kidney transplant in 1999. Following her transplant, she dedicated herself to her family and to the service of others. In 2000, when they retired to Virginia Beach, they both became very active in volunteer and charity work. David played a significant role in contributing to the success of the Red Cross dental clinic in Norfolk, Virginia —the only such Red Cross clinic in the country (now called Park Place Dental Clinic). David practiced dentistry and served on the board of the clinic while Carole worked at the front desk. David also volunteered with numerous other charities and service organizations including Mission of Mercy Project (MOM) and Access Partnership (a dental service charity). He also served also on the Advisory Board for the Oral Health Improvement Coalition of Virginia (OHICVA).

In 2009, David and Carole were recognized by the governor of Virginia and the legislature for their service when they were given the Unsung Hero Award, an award given for outstanding healthcare volunteerism. In 2009 he also received the Distinguished Dental Service Award from the Tidewater Dental Association along with Carole. In 2012, Dr. Crouse was elected a fellow of the Virginia Dental Association. Finally, in August 2018, just before his passing, David received the 2018 Dental Champion Award from the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (VAFCC).

Apart from their service with these volunteer organizations, David and Carole also faithfully transported meals to the needy through Meals on Wheels, donated school supplies to local schools each year, and watched and listened for opportunities where they could make a difference in the lives of individuals they encountered in need.

David was also a consummate artist and craftsman, designing and making numerous unique pieces of jewelry over the years. He also crafted in stained glass, wood, and ceramics. David loved to build and create. He enjoyed working with his children and grandchildren, teaching them the skills that he used to create. A close friend recently referred to him as a “renaissance man” because he was able to do so many varied things. This was a great compliment to David and one that he cherished in his final days.

David's life truly was a life well-lived.

He is survived by his two sons and their wives, David Crouse, Jr. and Maria Crouse, of Virginia Beach, and Sean Crouse and Michele Crouse of Hamilton, Virginia; and his five grandsons, David, and Matthew of Virginia Beach, and Stephen , Nathanael, and Evan Crouse of Hamilton, Virginia.

Funeral service will be held at Kellum Funeral home, 601 North Witchduck Rd., Virginia Beach, Virginia on September 8, at 1 p.m., Chaplain Dick Dinges presiding. Private entombment will follow at Princess Ann Memorial Park Mausoleum. Reception to follow at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to Access Partnership, a non-profit organization in Norfolk, Virginia helping people obtain dental care that they could not otherwise afford. Donations can be mailed to Access Partnership, 1616 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.