It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Ken Crisp.
Kenneth “Ken” Crisp, 67, died February 13th, 2023, at Tidewell Hospice in Port Charlotte following an extended illness. Ken was well known throughout Charlotte County for his own theatrical troupe “Crisp & Company”, established in 2001. Well-versed in all facets of stage production, he spent more than three decades as the set designer and/or artistic director of countless local plays, musicals, summer shows and music reviews for Crisp & Company, Peace River Productions, the Charlotte Players, and the Cultural Center of Charlotte County.
Born to Mary and Chester Crisp June 24, 1955 in Joliet, Illinois, Ken graduated from Wilmington High School, in Wilmington, Illinois in 1973. A remarkably accomplished pianist, he began playing the piano at the age of eight. He accompanied many different cabaret artists during his career as a professional musician, and directed many choruses throughout his life. He retired as the Director of Music Ministry for San Antonio Catholic Church in Deep Creek, where he was both Choir Director and Keyboardist. Prior to establishing “Crisp & Company”, he earned an Associates Degree in Graphic Arts from Kaiser University in Sarasota, FL.
Ken is survived by his spouse, Steven Pignataro, his mother, Mary E. Crisp, his sister Bonnie Speer, and his brother Jeffrey (Karen) Crisp, in addition to many beloved nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, Chester A. Crisp.
An 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 17th at San Antonio Catholic Church, with internment to follow in the Memorial Garden. Donations can be made in Ken’s name to the American Cancer Society, Charlotte Players, or San Antonio Catholic Church.