Former Roseville mayor remembered for pivotal role in city development

Harry Crabb, a longtime local icon and former mayor of Roseville, passed away in his home Aug. 30 at the age of 92, and a celebration of his life was held in October. Crabb was born in Nebraska and his family relocated to Roseville in 1936, where he attended Atlantic Street School and Roseville High School. In high school, Crabb met Jeannette Davis, the woman who would become his wife of 65 years. Shortly after they married, Crabb and Jeannette moved to Virginia, where Crabb served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Eventually, they returned to California and Crabb knew Roseville was where he wanted to lay down roots. The couple built a home on Vine Avenue in 1960 and raised their children, Gerri and Mike. In his professional life, Crabb worked for Caltrans for 38 years and devoted many hours volunteering for Roseville Little League and Boy Scout Troop 11, both of which his son was involved with. Despite juggling a family and career, Crabb devoted a huge part of his adult life to the place he loved: the city of Roseville. In fact, according to his obituary, aside from his family, Crabb's second passion in life was the city of Roseville. Crabb is most known for serving as mayor between the years 1980 and 2000, yet he spent 30 years involved in various roles, from serving on the city council, on the project review committee and the city planning commission. Crabb's many achievements included the development of many of Roseville's parks, along with several other key developments in the city. ??? Roseville Mayor Krista Bernasconi told the Roseville Press-Tribune that Crabb left a significant mark on the city which is still felt today. "He served at a pivotal time in our city's growth and his impact will be felt for the foreseeable future," said the mayor. "Most notably, he had an important role in the development of the Roseville Automall and the expansion of Sutter Hospital. Harry absolutely loved Roseville and long after his service, he continued to be involved and advocate for planned growth. He was a no-nonsense but kind and generous person." Mayor Bernasconi added, "What I admired most was his quiet leadership. He was honored to do the work and did not need the credit." The legacy of Crabb is honored in two locations in Roseville: Harry Crabb Park at 1000 Scarborough Drive and Harry Crabb Tunnel, which takes drivers on northbound Sunrise Avenue onto eastbound Interstate 80. In his later years, Crabb moved with Jeannette to Sun City until she passed away in 2018. Crabb met Patricia Bell Orr in 2020 and the couple later married and enjoyed five years together. Crabb is survived by Patricia, his son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-daughters and other family and friends.