Richard Anthony Crane

Richard Anthony Crane, 85, of Barnstable, MA, formerly of Vernon, CT, died peacefully after a brief illness. Dick was the devoted and loving husband of Alex-Sandra Crane for 63 years. He was the calming presence in their family that includes children Laura Crane, of East Windsor, CT; Susan Sheehan and her husband, Alan, of Centerville, MA; Richard Crane, of Windsor Locks, CT; grandchildren Lauren Sheehan and her husband Matthew Colapietro of Cary, NC; Trevor Sheehan of Centerville; and Emma Crane of Ellington, CT. He was the cherished brother of Carol Nichols, of Winterville, NC and was predeceased by his younger brother, Robert and parents Emma and Anthony Crane. He also leaves his brother-in-law, Thom Goracy and wife Angela of Naples, FL and Thom’s four children.

Dick created a beautiful life for himself and his family. In his earlier years he worked as a tech for Thermafax, a small business servicing copy machines in Hartford, CT. After being noticed by the sales manager for his potential, he was encouraged to join the sales team. It was through that opportunity that he began his 30+ year career with a division that later was acquired by 3M. He was a warm and successful salesman that had a way of becoming a friend through business. He was promoted to a management role later in his career, retiring from 3M at the age of 58. His early retirement allowed the couple to travel with friends to Hawaii, Bermuda, Nevis, Alaska, France, Ireland and Eastern Europe.

Eager to continue to connect with people, he took a sales position at Kloter Farms where he richly bonded with staff and customers. He enjoyed talking with people, always believing there is a connection to everyone you meet; you just have to ask some questions. Dick enjoyed many memorable family vacations exploring Cape Cod with Sandy and their children. Before even checking into their cottage after a 3-hour ride (no air conditioning, no seatbelts and no highway), he always had to stop and get his shellfishing license, much to the chagrin of the carload of anxious kids and their dog. But everyone sure did enjoy the clams he dug during their stay!

In 2018, Dick and Sandy relocated to Cape Cod, a lifelong dream of his. Sandy was happy to embark on a new journey together after treatment for melanoma had sidelined him. Sandy actively supported Dick during his recovery, always the nurse. It was there on the Cape that Dick found tremendous peace. In their years there, Dick shared the bounties of his gardens with his neighbors and welcomed any opportunity to meet new people.

Over the course of his lifetime, Dick enjoyed fishing, camping (he could not make a camper out of Sandy, but she gave it a good try), archery, golfing, traveling, gardening, and all things aviation. Above all else, he enjoyed his family and time with his friends. Dick was happiest seeing others happy, oftentimes a thoughtful observer always putting his own needs last. He was a man of faith and spent many active years with the St. Joseph Men's Club, Rockville, CT, where he was a regular lecturer during mass.

Dick will be remembered for his quiet strength, steady demeanor, unwavering friendship, strong faith, and his blue eyes that bore the essence of his beautiful soul. While his physical presence will be sorely missed, his lessons and love will continue to guide and support his family and influence their actions.

All are welcome to join his family at a mass held for Dick at Our Lady of Victory, 230 South Main Street, Centerville, MA 02632 on Tuesday, August 1 at 11:00. A gathering of friends and family will immediately follow at the parish hall. Those wishing to make a donation in his memory may do so to Cape Wellness Collaborative, 436B Station Avenue, South Yarmouth, MA 02664 or at www.capewellness.org.