Glenn Russell (Russ) Crane passed away peacefully on Monday, May 19, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family. He was 93 years old.

Russ was born to Glenn Woodworth Crane and Dorothy Lamb (nee Kellogg) on April 16, 1932, in Syracuse, New York. He grew up in Syracuse, where he and his sister Patricia were lovingly raised by their maternal grandparents, for whom he remained forever thankful. At 17, Russ was reunited with his father, Glenn, two brothers, a sister and his devoted stepmother, Elizabeth (Betty) Crane. For the rest of their lives, they enjoyed a warm and fulfilling family life.

Russ received scholarships from the New York State Regents Board and Syracuse University, providing him the means to attend the University. Russ was forever grateful for those scholarships, which he said sent him on a life path he had never imagined. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1957 with a degree in Chemical Engineering.

Russ met his wife of 63 years, Mildred (Millie) Ann Lynn in Syracuse. He and Millie were married at Trinity Methodist Church in Philadelphia on August 18, 1956. Upon Russ’s graduation from Syracuse University in 1957, they moved to Akron, Ohio, where they lived until they moved to Lewiston, New York, in 1971. Both Russ and Millie shared a deep desire for a large family and were blessed with such. They shared a joyous and committed life and generously raised five children, for whom they remained a lifelong source of joy and support.

During a brief hiatus in his studies, Russ was drafted into the army, where he served for two years running the motor pool at Elmendorf Airforce Base in Anchorage, Alaska. He remembers that assignment fondly for the friends he made, the opportunity to drive around every day, for his experience in Alaska and for his safe return and reunion with Millie.

After graduation, Russ worked as a plastics engineer for Goodyear Tire and Rubber from 1957 to 1995, first in Akron, Ohio, and then in Niagara Falls, New York, retiring in 1995. He was well known in his industry and instrumental in the design, building and operation of Goodyear’s chemical plant in Niagara Falls. Upon retirement, many of his customers sought him out for independent consultation, which he enjoyed for another year before fully retiring.

Russ was devoted to his faith. He was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Tallmadge, Ohio, and the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston, singing in the choirs of both churches, playing handbells, cutting the grass, counting the offering and doing just about anything else he was asked to do. He and Millie led the Senior High Fellowship group in Lewiston for several years. In 2022, Russ moved to Basking Ridge, New Jersey, to be near his daughter, and soon became a regular attendee at the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church.

Russ sang with the Lewiston Choraleers and with the Retired Men’s Chorus, performing in several concerts each year. He and Millie maintained an active lifestyle that included camping, canoeing, biking and cross-country skiing for many years. Only after he turned 90 did he agree to finally give up his bicycle. He and his family spent many summers in the Adirondacks, camping and canoeing at Fish Creek Ponds and enjoying the beach in Nags Head, North Carolina. Thanks to Russ’s love of driving, no matter the distance, the family enjoyed many other excursions, including a four-week trek across the country with all seven packed in a station wagon and sleeping in a pop-up camper.  

Russ loved being a part of his children’s sports. Besides attending nearly every one of their football, basketball and soccer games, he also managed some of his sons’ youth football teams and worked alongside Millie at the concession stands. He was a beloved support and role model for his children’s friends. Russ was an enthusiastic fan of the Buffalo Bills and the Syracuse Orangemen and wore many sweatshirts, T-shirts and caps to show that off.

Russ loved to do crossword puzzles, cryptograms and take long walks. His neighbors at Fellowship Village, where he lived happily for the past three years, will remember him walking outside several times a day, singing old tunes.

Russ was predeceased by his devoted grandparents, parents and stepmom; by his beloved wife, Millie; his son, Douglas; sister Patricia Partridge and husband Kent; brother Donald Crane and wife Loraine.

He is survived by four children and their spouses; nine grandchildren and their spouses; and four great grandchildren: Douglas’s wife, Rose Crane (Brittany Avellino/DJ); Deborah Schaub/Jeff (Emily/Jon Williams and Rachel); David Crane/Amy (Mackenzie and Kyle/Kayla); Darrell Crane/Marianne (Connor/Maggie and Hanna Reth/Nick); and Diane Lucas/Dan (Mitchell/Alyssa and Lindsey Snow/Dustin). He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Duba/Don and Sandra Cartner/Stephen; brothers Jim Crane/Chris, Mark Crane and Pete Crane; and by many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Russ’s life will be held on a future date in Lewiston, NY with a reception for family and friends to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial offerings be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston, https://www.lewistonpres.org/ - 505 Cayuga Street, Lewiston, New York; or to the Adirondack Foundation, https://www.adirondackfoundation.org/ -  PO Box PO Box 288 Lake Placid, NY 12946.