Charles Richard “Dick” Crandall – (91) – formerly of 385 Fairview Ave., Hornell, died Friday evening (May 29, 2015) at McAuley Manor where he had resided for the past 4 years.
A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born January 21, 1924, and was the son of Charles & Mary (Whitworth) Crandall.
Dick grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School where he served as class president of the class of 1943. While in high school, he was a 4 year member of the Red Raider Football Team and was captain of the team during his senior year.
He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the US Army Air Force. As a 1st Lieutenant, he served as Co-Pilot, flying B-24 Bombers in over 200 missions. He was featured, by name, in two books, “Aluminum Trail” and “Somewhere We Will Find You” about the pilots & co-pilots of WWII. For many years he has been a member of the Hornell American Legion.
Following his honorable discharge from the service, Dick worked for about 13 years at the Erie Railroad Shops. For several years he owned & operated the Kendall Service Station in Hornell. For 20 years, he was employed at the New York State Conservation Department, serving as fire inspector and as instructor for forest rangers. Throughout the years, Dick made many appearances with Smokey the Bear on Television Shows and in Schools, promoting fire safety.
Dick enjoyed and excelled in horseshoe pitching, playing in and winning many tournaments & competitions. He was instrumental in the formation of the Hornell Horseshoe League and also served as president of the NYS Horseshoe Association for 3 years. He had been an avid bowler and bowled in many leagues. For several years, Dick served as an instructor in the Hornell Junior Bowling League.
He volunteered his time as a coach in the Midget Football League for many years and served on the board of directors for both Hornell Midget Football League and Hornell Babe Ruth League. Dick also served as president of the Hornell Alumni Association. He had a deep love of music and played keyboard for the “Banjo Boys”. Dick enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills and the Boston Red Sox, but mostly loved rooting & cheering for his grand-children at their sporting events.
Dick was married on July 29, 1946 to the former Anne Arvidson who died September 18, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his son, James E. Crandall who died in 1999; 3 brothers, Carl Crandall, Harold Crandall & Robert Crandall; his great-great granddaughter, Hannah Logan
Surviving are 2 daughters, Dianne (Randy) Tyner of Bradford, NY and Mary Ellen (Joe) Dropp of Hornell; 2 sons, Richard “Rick” (Marcia) Crandall of Hartsville and Steven (Sharon) Crandall of Hartsville; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; along with several nieces & nephews.
The family of Charles Richard “Dick” Crandall will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery with full military honors.
Dick’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home. To print a memorial form, click here.
In recognition of Dick’s service to his country during WWII, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.
Our sympathy goes out to all our cousins. Uncle Dick was THE kindest soul I have ever known! What a great role model for all of us . We are all better people because of him. I have and will continue to reflect on the way Uncle Dick carried himself, what a great great man he was. He was GREAT at everything he did. I’m sure Aunt Anne, & Jimmy were there to meet him with open arms. All my Crandall cousins can find solace in knowing their amazing parents are now amazing Angels!,
Brian & Kelly
Dianne, MaryEllen, Rick, Jimmy (in spirit), and Steve,
I am sorry for the loss of your Father…and my Uncle Dick.
I know I am only one whose life was touched by your Father. My earliest memory of your father was when I was 3 or 4 years old, sitting with your father at your player piano when you lived on Lily Avenue. I remember thinking how magical it was as he pumped the big peddles, and sang along with the music that played from a special paper roll as it rolled passed a window opening in the piano. The piano keys were moving by themselves! It was fascinating and has remained a vivid memory to this day. But from those earliest memories I always remember how I could not wait until the next visit up to Fairview Avenue to spend time with you and your Mom and Dad. They were warm and fun times in my life. Uncle Dick was a very special person and I do not think there was ever one person that met him that was not touched in some way. I am thankful to have been one of his nieces and proud to have had him for my “Uncle Dick.” I appreciate that we share this family bond. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time.
I love you Uncle Dick, God-speed.
Your Neice Debbie (McLaughlin) Steinberger
sending my sympathy to the family of Mr. Crandall. What a wonderful man….thinking of you during this time. May God bless and comfort you always.
Condolences to the Crandall families. Prayers sent.