Former KSI CEO passes away

Craig Crouch

Bruce Craig Crouch, who served as CEO of Kent Sussex Industries for many years, passed away on November 5, 2024, at his home in Milford. Crouch was 63.

“My heart is heavy. Craig was one in a million. He will be missed by alot of people who’s heart he has touched,” Robin Murchie Cox commented when KSI announced his death. “His family and all of KSI is in my thoughts and prayers.”

Crouch was born in Clinton, North Carolina to the late Clifford and Vaughn Peterson Crouch. The family moved to Milford when Crouch was 10 and he graduated from Milford High School in 1979. Crouch earned a bachelor’s degree in business from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, North Carolina.

After graduating from high school, Crouch began working at Scott Paper Factory as a floor supervisor, eventually working his way up to CEO at Kent Sussex Industries. An active advocate for the disabled, Crouch belonged to many boards and committees over the years, including the Milford Rotary, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford, Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities plus many more.

“We have the most dependable people,” Crouch said of KSI in 2014. “They’re really capable. Our learning curve might be longer, but once we’ve got it, we’ve got it.”

In 2015, Crouch made news when he agreed to shave his head in front of his staff after they reached a fund raising goal of over $6,000. KSI board member Bettie Campbell sheared Crouch’s head with the staff and news media present. Craig retired from KSI in 2020.

“So very sad and sorry to hear of Craig’s passing,” Margaret Ward Haas said. “A tragic loss for his family, his KSI family and all of the individuals and families he served for decades. Heaven has gained an angel.”

Crouch enjoyed hunting, especially waterfowl, fishing, crabbing, going to his family cabin and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was an avid UNC Tar Heel basketball fan as well.

His late wife, Janice, preceded him in death as did his father, Clifford. He is survived by his children Andrew Blatzheim; Anthony Taddeo and his wife, Rhiannon and Lauren Fitzgerald-Crouch. He is also survived by his grandchildren Connor and Reagan Fitzgerald; Vincent Wooster and Gabrielle Harper. His mother, Vaughn Crouch along with his brothers and their wives, Jayson and Margie Crouch; Trent and Christine Crouch as well as A.C. Lucas survive him. In addition, he is survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors at Avenue United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 16 from 10 AM to 12 Noon. A funeral service will be held at noon with a celebration of life immediately following the service. Burial will be private.

The family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Crouch’s name to KSI, 301 North Rehoboth Boulevard, Milford, DE. 19963.