Donald Curtis Crane

Donald Curtis Crane, Phd., 93 years old, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. Born to Ralph and Kathryn Crane in Huntington, L.I., N.Y., he lived in Dunellen, N.J., before moving to Highland Lakes N.J., many years ago, then to the house on Jenny Layne in Vernon N.J.
Donald served with the United States Army during WWII. He then received his BA from Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., his MA from Clark University in Worcester, MA and his Ph.D from Rutgers University where he also served as a professor. Donald served as a teacher for civilian military overseas and also School Superintendent in Stillwater and for the Mendham Twp. Board of Education from 1951 to his retirement in 1988. Donald was a member of the National Association of School Superintendents, the New Jersey Association of School Superintendents and the Wallkill Valley VFW Post # 8441, Vernon Twp., N.J. He enjoyed reading, playing chess, bridge, N.Y. Times crossword puzzles. No one could ever beat him at scrabble. He loved the cabin in Highland Lakes. Younger days sailing, sitting on the patio playing board games and enjoying family and friends there.
Donald is predeceased by his parents, his daughter, Susan Crane-Polizzi, a brother, George W. Crane, grandson, Daniel W. Baker and a nephew, Michael Crane. Donald is the beloved husband of June Crane(nee Dalton) of Vernon Twp., NJ. Devoted father of Leslie Pedersen and her husband, Harold of Vernon Twp., N.J., and Jennifer Crane-Ziegler and her husband, Gordon S. Ziegler, III of Stamford, CT. Cherished by 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Memorial visitation and services will be Friday, March 8, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. at the Wallkill Valley VFW Post # 8441, 313 Route 94, Vernon, N.J. In lieu of flowers, donation in Donald Crane’s memory can be made to VFW Post 8441. Private cremation services by Ferguson-Vernon Funeral Home, 241 Route 94, Vernon, N.J. Information and condolences can be found at www.fergusonvernonfuneralhome.com.