Obituaries

Middleton - Andrew B. Crummy, age 94, born in 1930 to Andrew and Kathleen Crummy in Newark, NJ, passed away on October 14, 2024. Andy left New Jersey to attend Bowdoin College and later pursued his medical degree at Boston University. In need of an internship before fulfilling his military service requirement in the 1950s, he took the advice of a colleague who claimed, “Madison, Wisconsin is a great place.” Without ever having seen it, Andy secured an internship at UW Hospital and made his way to Madison.

A fortuitous choice, indeed. Not only did Andy fall in love with Madison, but he also met the love of his life, Elsa Esser, a Madison native and UW nursing student. After serving at the US Naval Air Station in Atsugi, Japan, Andy returned to UW for a radiology residency, and he and Elsa were married in 1958. His fellowship training then took them to Massachusetts and Connecticut, followed by his first professional position in Denver. In 1964, the Crummys returned to Madison, where Andy worked at the UW Hospital until his retirement in 1998.

Describing Andy’s career as successful would be an understatement. His work as a physician and academic was pivotal in advancing medicine, particularly radiology. Together with his colleagues in UW Medical Physics and Radiology, Andy helped pioneer technologies that made minimally invasive, life-saving procedures possible, innovations that to this day continue to benefit patients worldwide.

He co-authored the most widely used radiology textbook, trained countless medical students, residents, and fellows, and played an integral role in the establishment of a new medical specialty—Interventional Radiology.

As these revolutionary techniques gained traction globally, Andy traveled extensively, educating fellow physicians on their implementation. Though he was naturally shy, his wit, sharp opinions, and unwavering commitment to his principles earned him the respect—and occasionally the ire—of his colleagues. Many sought his guidance, trusting in his vision and steadfast commitment to his field.

Andy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend who found true joy in spending time with those he loved. A passionate traveler, Andy explored all seven continents, embracing the beauty and wonder of each place he visited. His adventurous spirit and unwavering dedication to family and friends will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Andy is survived by his sister Kathleen McGrath of New Jersey; his children Colleen (Patrick), Kevin (Lily), and Timothy (Dyana); and his five grandchildren, Michael, Shannon, Andrea, Sean, and Liam.

Andy was preceded in death by Elsa, his beloved wife of 55 years, his parents, and his siblings Jim, Dick, Charlie, and Mary Jane.

Personally, and professionally, Andy’s life was a testament to dedication, vision, and principle—a life well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Elsa Esser Crummy Nursing Scholarship at the UW School of Nursing or the Andrew B. Crummy Professorship in Radiology at the UW School of Medicine (University of Wisconsin Foundation, 1848 University Ave, Madison, WI 53726.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, November 2, 2024. Due to the small size of the chapel, the mass is limited to immediate family. The service will be live streamed.

To view the livestream, please click on the link below a few minutes before the service. https://www.youtube.com/@ryanfuneralhomemadison7477/streams

A reception to celebrate Andy’s life will be held on Saturday November 2, 2024, from 12:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. at Nakoma Country Club, 4145 Country Club Road, Madison, WI 53711. There will be a receiving line from 12:30 P.M. to 1:30 P.M.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

5701 Odana Road

608-274-1000