Note: The Funeral Mass will be recorded and uploaded to this website Thursday afternoon.

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 on May 2, 2026, after a brief illness.

Born on October 3, 1939, in Havre Boucher, Nova Scotia, Father Bill was the beloved son of the late Mark and Beatrice (King) Crispo. He attended Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax and was ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 1967, at St. Ninian’s Cathedral, 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. Upon returning, he served briefly at Holy Family Parish before being appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in North Sydney in 1978.

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.

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. He continued his service, completing a six-year term as Chair of the Pension Society in 2016. In his later 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 humor that brought comfort and joy to those who heard him.

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.

Father Bill’s life was a testament to faith, humility, and dedicated service. May he rest in the peace of Christ he so faithfully proclaimed.

Father Bill will rest in St. Paul’s Church, Havre Boucher on Wednesday from 2 to 4 pm.  A Vigil Service will be held at 7pm in St. Paul’s Church followed by visitation until 9 pm.  Funeral mass will be held in St. Paul's Church at 10:00 am on Thursday with Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick presiding.  Burial in St. Paul’s Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish. On line condolences: www.clcurry.com