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KENNETH CRANNELL Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for KENNETH CRANNELL
Shirley Perez
March 5, 2022
Ken, Dr. Crannell, Kenneth,
What an amazing blessing to have been your student. Your encouraging words still make a difference in my life today. You were definitely the most influential person in my 4 years of college at Emerson. Such great memories, such great teachings; I will never forget you told me I would make a great assistant as I focused on details . Thank you for being an inspiration for me, till this day , 20 some years and 3 children later.
God bless you and you family always,
Shirley
Chris Pagliaro
September 29, 2020
Ken would often have me say something with my Rhode Island accent... and remind classmates not to sound like me. As an older student I didn’t take it personally but rather welcomed it.
Ken gave me advice on marriage, fatherhood, and pushing on when life was rough. I included his wisdom when I was a teacher and administrator. I think of him often.
Steve Denby
September 25, 2020
I lost my father Tuesday. It brought back memories of Dr Crannell and how he was a father to me as well. Not a day goes by that I do not think of him
Steve Denby
August 20, 2018
I write this with tears in my eyes, not a day goes by that I do not miss this incredible teacher, mentor and friend. I will always be in his debt.
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Eric Fitzpatrick
June 30, 2017
Dr. Crannell was a great mentor to me and I'm very sad to hear the news of his passing. I was his Teaching Assistant in 98 and he taught me how to be a better human being. I will miss him!
Lexa Gellatly Clarke
September 14, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. He was may favorite teacher at Emerson and an excellent one at that! I graduated 16 years ago and remember his class like it was yesterday. I still practice what he taught me everyday and smile.
Dennis McCurdy
September 14, 2016
Loved Ken, he was a wonderful man...taught me so much. He had a keen sight into people. Enjoyed his humor, tough yet gentle manner. He has affected my life forever.
Pat and Crannell Family, God Bless you all. I just learned of Dr. Crannell's passing and I send you my heartfelt condolences. What an amazing man, husband, father, teacher, mentor. As I reflect on Ken's multiple gifts I know that you must be comforted
Jennifer Cover Payne
September 7, 2016
Pat and Crannell Family,
God Bless you all. I just learned of Dr. Crannell's passing and I send you my heartfelt condolences. What an amazing man, husband, father, teacher, mentor. As I reflect on Ken's multiple gifts I know that you must be comforted that through his love of people, the arts, generous spirit and extraordinary talents he embraced us all. I shall never forget him.
Armanda Famiglietti
August 31, 2016
It was my first class at Emerson, Voice and Articulation. I was late and nervous. I had to find a seat in the back row and made a noisy commotion doing it. Once I was seated, Dr. Crannell asked who I was and if I was comfortable. I answered and he replied "You're from Rhode Island. How are things in Providence?" I was amazed. And as I got to know him better over 4 years, I was astounded by his talent, wit and dedication to teaching and learning. I knew then as I know now, that I was very, very fortunate to be his student. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends on your loss. Armanda Famiglietti, '78, Carmel, NY
Petra de Boer
August 27, 2016
I believe every school, every student, anywhere in the world, should have a public speaking teacher like Ken Crannell. Rigorous and passionate, one of a kind. My sincere condolences, especially for you Chuck (remember working in the Emerson Apple Store together) and for your entire family.
MA'91
Beth Morrell
August 25, 2016
My deepest condolences to Pat and your children. I was just one of many students who was touched and blessed by knowing Ken. I became a professor of Oral Interpretation because of my time at Emerson. He will be sorely missed. He inspired me to create a "Southwick" recital on Dorothy Parker! Fondly, Beth (Towner) Morrell, grad. class of 1978.
Steve Denby
August 25, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Crannell Family.
Peter Mones
August 23, 2016
My condolences to the entire Crannell and Emerson College family. I didn't have Ken for a teacher--but had the joy of seeing him perform and the honor of calling him a Tau brother. May great memories of the man and his stage bring smiles and laughter.
Shalom. Peace
Jane Lomas
August 23, 2016
I wish I had known both Pat and Ken when they were younger as I absolutely loved them these past years that I have known them. I only know 2 or 3 other men that I would describe as being such an awesome "gentleman and gentle man". My thoughts, prayers and condolences continue to be with you and the whole family.
Jean Kenney
August 23, 2016
Ken was my cousin and a very important part of my life from my childhood on. Although we lived in different states, our families always remained close and visited whenever possible. I remember how, as a child, I would listen to his one-man shows and stories and be fascinated by them. He could always make me laugh or bring a smile to my face. When I grew up, we enjoyed swapping family stories and especially about his dad and my grandmother who were brother and sister. He always treated everyone he knew with warmth, affection and humor. His academic and professional accomplishments in his life were outstanding, and he was truly revered by his students. He was a remarkable man. I loved him very much and will miss him. I'm proud to have been his cousin.
Pat, Chuck and Martha, Tracy and Paul, and children, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thomas Turner
August 22, 2016
To the Members of the Crannell Family:
Please accept my deep and sincere condolences on your recent loss. From 1959-1061, I was an Emerson College Student with hopes of becoming a commercial radio announcer. The classes I took with Dr. Crannell were very beneficial to me. Ultimately I became a Public Safety Dispatcher for the Towns of Natick and Wayland, MA, retiring in 2011 after 30 + years of service. I do remember my years at Emerson, and particularly Dr. Crannell's classes. My your Family find strength during this most difficult time.
Carolyn Romberg
August 22, 2016
I have so many wonderful and strange memories of Dr. Crannell's V&A class. I have been regaling my family with "Regular Wreck" and "Ozymandius," "Nancy, hand the man the candy," and so many more wonderful and magical things I learned from him 40 years ago.
Benjamin Pease
August 22, 2016
Ken taught me not only how to communicate and act as a shy, teenage misfit, but also increased my confidence through his positive approach to teaching. I've seen elite teachers who can't work with anyone but elite pupils; Ken did not fall into that mediocre category. He brought the best out of every person and made the world a better place. I probably can't add more than the other comments below except to say that, like all great teachers, he lives on through those blessed to have known him.
Ryan Gower
August 22, 2016
Dr. Crannell was the most unique teacher I have ever had and I'll never forget his class. Years after graduating, I was at an event in California with people way more important than me. I somehow found a fellow Emerson grad and we ended up speaking for quite some time about Dr. Crannell and how much we enjoyed his class.
I'll forever know how fortunate I was to be taught by him.
Jeffry Stanton
August 22, 2016
Ken was an inspirational teacher, mentor, performer and dear friend for years after graduating from Emerson College. He was one of a kind. Like others here, Ken made a lasting impact in my life and will never be forgotten.
Peter J Sullivan, M.A.
August 22, 2016
I have fond memories of Dr. Crannells classes that he taught so personally. Learning phonetics did not register in my brain so easily, but his caring and clarity in teaching came through loud and clear. Rest in Peace, my friend. You have fulfilled your life's mission well.
Peter J. Sullivan. Class of 1970. New Milford, N.J.
Andrew Giannelli
August 22, 2016
Ken, was a great father , husband, mentor , teacher and friend, to many people.
It has been a little over nine years since we met by way of my cousin Al, it seemed like many more. Over the years I felt like I new you when because of Al,When we finally met. You felt like family. You were a great friends of Al's and then to me thanks for all the carting and sharing .My you rest in peace . My prayers for you and your family .
Andrew and Lisa Giannelli
Amanda Nichols
August 22, 2016
How does one go from terrified of public speaking to enjoying it? Ken Crannell. Oh, how Voice and Articulation made me aware of presence, tone and poise in any speaking engagement. What a profound difference it has made in my life. He will not be forgotten.
Joel Menard
August 22, 2016
My heart is broken. What an amazing man, I am selfish in saying I was glad his path crossed mine. A unique and special man. My sincere condolences to the family. He will be missed.
Dan Paul
August 21, 2016
Dr. Ken was the highlight of my education and of Emerson as well. He possessed a rare combination of dedication, intelligence, incredible talent, and a deep understanding that his students were always where he once was, too. On my graduation day, we exchanged a hug and I said "Thank you for the passion". He smiled. And I was filled with both joy and sadness -- that my days with him were over.
He was a blessing. And a profound gift to us all.
Paul Beck
August 21, 2016
The best speech and presentation teacher "EVAH !"
Paul R. Beck, Emerson '69
Linda Hollander
August 21, 2016
Oh, he scared me to death, and he made me work so hard and he saw my talent and would not let me waste it. That was more than forty years ago and I still think of him when I write or perform. He was mentor and muse, he was my Titan. I will never forget seeing him do "The pauper Witch of Coos"...it was quite literally breathtaking. We are a poorer planet now he is no longer on it. Rip, Dr. Crannell.
Bill Reardin
August 21, 2016
What a gem of a man! He managed to teach me to speak "without revealing my father's income or my mother's birthplace" as he so aptly put it. Getting rid of my New Jersey regionalism was no easy task for Ken. He had a heart of gold, a great sense of humor and a huge talent for oral interp. I am a a better person for have studied under him. -J William Reardin Class of 1963
James and Nancy Woods
August 21, 2016
Dear Pat, Tracy and Chuck,
We heard from the Troisi's that Ken had died this past week and we want to you to know that you all are in our prayers. Ken possessed a unique blend of astuteness, charm and determination, all wielded with grace and sympathy that encouraged the people with whom he worked, taught and lived. Our condolences to you on your loss. You're all remembered with great fondness in our family. Love, Nancy and Jim Woods
Ellie Werner
August 21, 2016
I will always remember you with enormous fondness and laughter. I will never forget the way you were determined to extinguish my New York regionalism.....and you did!!!! Your loving soul remains with many of us, dear Professor.
Ellie Werner, Queens, NY Student 1970
-
Bruce Dean
August 21, 2016
Ken Crannell will forever be an Emerson College legend. In the late 60s, he made me EARN my "A" in both Phonetics and V&A. He was a true gentleman, Phi Alpha Tau fraternity brother, and truly kind man who was among those who inspired me to pursue my legal studies. He will be missed but never forgotten. Rest well, Ken.
Paul and Lorna Cathcart
August 21, 2016
We were so saddened to hear of Ken's passing. He was a true gentleman, a "class act" and inspiration to all who knew him. To Pat...you were such a special couple and, because of your love for one another, and your children, created a beautiful life together. I hope we can all find comfort in knowing that he and his best friend, Bob Cathcart, are now free to enjoy good times, once again, free of worries and hurt. Our love and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Kevin Lambert
August 21, 2016
A treasure of a man. It was a privilege to know him and to study with him. He was one of the kindest men and always gave extra attention to his students. One of the finest performers I've ever seen.
Chris with daughter Alaina, 1999
Chris Pagliaro
August 21, 2016
I forgot to leave my information
August 21, 2016
What a wonderful man, outstanding teacher, and kind soul. I truly loved him and will always appreciate that you both came to my wedding. My deepest condolences to you all. - Cheryl Dechayne Ahlquist
Ellen Rodman
August 20, 2016
An outstanding man and professor ,who left a permanent impression on the heart and soul of those individuals lucky enough to have known and studied with him.
I have set in my memory a sophisticated gentleman, dressed in a tuxedo, leaning against a stool, while dancing us all across the stage as he performed the major roles in My Fair Lady........what a talent, what a man!
Malcolm Alter
August 20, 2016
Ken was the brightest light ever to pass through the portals of Emerson College. He completely embodied what Emerson is all about and set the highest standards for his students. He was the face of Emerson College. I'll always remember his wonderful performance of "My Fair Lady"...all speaking parts and songs. He could recite the alphabet and make it sound like poetry. I am deeply saddened by his passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in peace, dear friend.. you did a splendid job.
Lee Coleman
August 20, 2016
What a beautifully written obituary! My condolences to the whole Crannell family.
Patricia MBUYAMBA
August 20, 2016
I wish to present my condolences to Professor Crannell's family. He taught me so many things. He's one of the professors that I will never forget. RIP
Lorraine Ford DeMan
August 20, 2016
Truly one of the most wonderful teachers under whom I studied, Dr. Crannell's spirit will certainly live on in all he taught, knew and loved. RIP
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