Dennis “Denny” J. Crandall, 64, of Warren, PA passed away on Saturday morning, September 22, 2018 at the John & Orpha Blair Hospice Home following an extended illness. Denny was born September 15, 1954 in Jamestown, NY. He was the son of the late Arthur and Margaret (Pangborn) Crandall.
Denny was a former resident of Busti, NY where he graduated from Southwestern High School in 1972. He moved to Warren, PA in 1975 where he resided for 43 years. Denny worked at Warren State Hospital as a Human Relations Coordinator for eighteen years retiring in 2016. Prior to this he worked in Human Resources for the City of Warren and Guardian Glass Industries, formerly Falconer Plate Glass, in Falconer, NY. He was an active member of First Lutheran Church, Warren, PA where he sat on Church Council, served as an Assistant Minister, rang handbells and sang in the church choir.
An avid lover of baseball, having been a player for many years, he coached Little League baseball and softball. Denny loved his community serving on many committees and volunteering. He served on the Warren Music Boosters as their president, was a proud band dad on the blue bus, worked on numerous All-County, Warren Players and Struthers Library Theater productions and spent many hours watching, driving and loving his kids in the Warren County Youth Connection. Denny also served on the Friends of the Library Theater Board and as the chairman of the Warren Parks and Recreation Commission.
Denny is survived by his wife, Elaine (Jacobson) Crandall whom he married on October 4, 1975 as well as his children: Carolyn “Carrie” Mummert (Chad) of Erie, PA and Joy Crandall McMonigal of Warren. He will be remembered as Papa to his grandchildren Jake Mummert and Izzy McMonigal. Also surviving are his sister Dr. Barbara Crandall-Stotler, his mother-in-law Carolyn Jacobson, his brother-in-law D. Melvin Jacobson, Jr. (Marianne), sisters-in-law Linda Jacobson and Patti Crandall and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers Arthur, David and John Crandall, brother-in-law Dr. Raymond Stotler, father-in-law D. Melvin Jacobson, Sr. and a niece Kimberlea Farren.
Friends and family will be received at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 28, 2018 and one hour before the Celebration of Life Service. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Lutheran Church, 109 W. Third Avenue, Warren, PA on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Jeffrey Ewing, Pastor, officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger, 100 N. Academy Ave., Danville, PA 17822 or visit www.geisinger.org/sites/cmn; or to Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Ave., Warren, PA 16365 or visit hospiceofwarrencounty.com; or The John Check Memorial Scholarship Fund, Community Foundation of Warren County, PO Box 691, Warren, PA 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Such a nice, kind man that I had the honor of working with as a fellow volunteer for Youth Connection. Always smiling, he gave so much to his community. Denny, you will be missed terribly, but the memories of you and the example you set will live for many years to come.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Deepest sympathy and many prayers for all of you. Denny was a patient, kind, and gentle-spirited man. May the light and love of God surround you in your grief.
Thoughts and prayers with you during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry for your loss. May God’s healing hand lift your grief and fill you all with precious memories of Denny.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
To the Crandall family. I’m so sorry to learn about the passing of Mr. Crandall. May you find comfort from the memories you shared, and comfort from our Heavenly Father who comforts us during our trials and sorrows. 2Corinthians 1:3,4
It was such a joy singing in the combined choirs with Denny, as well as Elaine! He was always smiling and enjoyed everything he did, which was much. He was always at the ready and enjoyed all that he accomplished. I am so disappointed that I won’t be able to attend the visitation tonight or th funeral tomorrow, but your family is in my heart and you are in my prayers. God bless you all.
My very deep sympathy Elaine and family. Always enjoyed sitting next to Denny at the Friend’s board meetings and sharing a laugh. Denny will be fondly remembered by our community.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Denny was a great friend to me at time that now seems a few lifetimes ago. We played in the band together and ran with the same friends. He would come down to the house in his Boss Mustang and we’d ride around listening to his 8 track of the James Gang and Funk #49 and Walk Away.
We both loved the Yanks and played ball all the time. We umpired in High School and later coached our 1st youth baseball team together when I went to College. Had a blast.
I’ve been thinking of him all week and remember the honor of being in his and Elaine’s wedding. The time I was following he and Don up to Denny’s house and put my car in the ditch and they came back and pulled me out. And many others.
Life goes it’s own way however, and we lost touch over the years as we moved around for work and both had our own lives. Its wonderful to read all the stories and contributions he made to his family and community. He was always the same friend I had loved all those years ago.
Elaine, Carrie Joy and family: The hole he leaves behind will not be filled. I pray, than in time, your fond memories will assuage the anguish you feel today.
I just found out that Denny passed away. I wish I would of known. I would of liked to be at his funeral service. I have no words to express my deepest sympathy. He was my supervisor at Warren State Hospital. Such a good, decent man who was always patient, kind and understanding. I have thought of him a lot since I had to leave my job in 2013. I drove by his house occasionally and always saw him busy doing something. I always enjoy your decorations at the holiday’s. You all do such a nice job. I know he liked doing it for his family and especially his grandchildren. He will be missed beyond words to everyone that knew him. With love and affection. God Bless You. Just know if you need anything at all, we would be there.
I AM THE GENTLE AUTUMN’S RAIN
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glint on the snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you wake in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight,
I am the soft starlight at night,
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there—I do not sleep.
Anonymous
I served on the Parks and Recreation Committee with Denny for the past few years. It was an easy job because Denny was always so well prepared and so knowledgeable. He was kind and considerate to all and the length of time he served the community on the committee was astounding. I am saddened by his quick and way too young departure from this life.