Richard G. Crane

Richard G. Crane

NORTH CANAAN —  Richard G. Crane Sr., 75, peacefully died at his home surrounded by his family on Aug. 11, 2022. He was born on Nov.  7, 1946 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The son of late Robert Sr. and Beverly (Gill) Crane of Trumbull, Connecticut.  Richard has left behind two brothers, Robert Jr. and Jack. He graduated  from Trumbull High School in 1964,  then served active duty as boilerman onboard the Vermillion in the United States Navy Reserve Program during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1967.

Upon returning home he started working for The Dunn Bus Company in Trumbull where he worked as a dispatcher and manager. During this time he was introduced to the love of his life Valerie, and they married May 23, 1970 at the Nicholas Methodist Church in Trumbull.

In 1974 the Dunn family purchased a farm in Salisbury and asked Rich to come manage the farm. At this time he moved to Canaan to start the next chapter of his life in his new beloved community. Over his years in Canaan he has served on many committees and volunteered much of his time. Some of these include being a member of the Canaan United Methodist Church; a member of the Canaan NW Lions Club; a member of the North Canaan Volunteer Fire Department where he served as treasurer; a member of the North Canaan Volunteer Ambulance Corps where he served as a driver and vehicle maintenance officer; a 55 year member of the Washington Lodge #19 A&FM masons; and he also served on the North Canaan Zoning Board of Appeals.

In 1977 Richard started working for Adirondack Transit Lines in Kingston, New York and shortly after took a job with the Bonanza Bus Lines of Providence, Rhode Island. This is where he really gained his love for driving buses and meeting new people. In 1986, he took a leave of absence to pursue a job closer to home so he could be with his family more, and started working for Jeffrey Kilson Excavating. While working for Jeff, he also started a new lawn mowing business called “Jerichi Enterprises” which were the initials of his 3 children. As the business grew, it soon became a full time business which the family ran until 1992, when his family was approached with a new business opportunity to buy Segalla’s Lawn Mower Shop (soon to be renamed Crane’s Outdoor Power Equipment). While operating the lawnmower shop, he still had the love for driving buses so he took a part time position driving buses for Land Jet Bus Lines from Waterbury and continued doing both for several years. Rich worked full time at Crane’s Outdoor Power Equipment along with Rich Jr.  until his health no longer allowed him to in 2018.  In addition to work he enjoyed camping, domestic traveling with friends, woodworking, gardening, bowling, cruises, casino trips, and helping on various committees.

In addition to his wife Valerie of 53 years, Rich leaves behind his daughter Jennifer; his son Rich Jr. and wife Jaime with grandchildren Emma, Richie III, Katie; son Chris and wife Lindsey with grandchildren Chris Jr., Connor, Charlene; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Rich, also known as “Pops” will be greatly missed by so many. He was a friend to everyone, a father figure to many, and he was respected by all.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday Aug. 18, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Crane’s Outdoor Power Equipment 337 Ashley Falls Road, Canaan. There will be a service and Celebration of Life at the North Canaan VFW on Saturday Sept. 3 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Canaan United Methodist Church (roof fund) or to the Canaan NW Lions Club.

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