Nick Vernon Crumm of Montauk, a lifelong surfer who also enjoyed skiing, ice hockey, and pickleball, died of Alzheimer’s disease on June 12. He was 72.
In his early and late 20s, Mr. Crumm was a professional ballet dancer, performing with the Colorado Ballet, the Kansas City Ballet, and the Chicago Ballet.
“He was a very passionate person, he did lots of things, and he did them all really well, especially if something was physical,” said his wife of 34 years, the former Janelle Williams.
After retiring from the ballet, Mr. Crumm earned a bachelor’s degree from New York University. He worked as a general contractor, mainly in New York City, and began coming to Montauk some 30 years ago.
“He loved the Montauk surf community,” his wife said. “That was a big part of his life. He rushed out here every weekend.” He passed his love of surfing on to his son and daughter.
The Crumms bought a house in Montauk in 2001, splitting their time between Montauk and Westchester County. They moved to Montauk full time about four years ago, after Mr. Crumm became ill.
Born in Fairfield, Conn., on Aug. 14, 1951, to Charles Crumm and the former Anne Temple, he grew up in Connecticut and on Martha’s Vineyard.
He and his wife were married on May 12, 1990.
He is additionally survived by his children, Sam Crumm of Montauk and Olivia Crumm of New Haven, Conn., and by a grandson, Charlie Crumm.
“We were a tight-knit crew,” his wife said, referring to “his fierce love for his family.”
He leaves two brothers, Chad Crumm of New Orleans and Peter Crumm of Boston, and a sister, Nina Davis of Brisbane, Australia.
A paddle-out for Mr. Crumm is planned for Friday evening at 6 at Ditch Plain Beach.
His family has suggested donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, online at act.alz.org
