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Charles Austin McCrann
Charles Austin McCrann
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Charles McCrann Obituary
Charles Austin McCrann was a levelheaded, respected executive, devoted to his wife, Michelle, and children, Derek and Maxine. But beneath his responsible exterior beat an auteur's heart. He loved film, whether the comedies of W. C. Fields or horror movies.
And so it was that Charlie, graduate of Princeton University and Yale Law School, senior vice president at Marsh & McLennnan, was also the writer, producer, director and star of "Toxic Zombies," a comic horror film that was shown twice on the USA cable network. The move was made while Mr. McCrann was on hiatus in the late 1970's; its plot turned on a group of hippies who turn into those toxic zombies after a drunken crop-duster oversprays their marijuana field.
"Toxic Zombies" epitomized a sense of humor that even now makes Mrs. McCrann laugh out loud. Charlie McCrann would surprise someone taken in by his straight appearance with a funny duck walk as he left the room. He would tease her relentlessly, so that after an angry derelict spit on her once, he said, "You mean your Uncle Spitty did that to you?"
He brought her cappuccino in bed every morning. He did his children's chores behind her back. "He was a character, that's for sure, " Mrs. McCrann said.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Pepper Borowski
September 12, 2023
Dear Charlie, Please know we do not forget. I speak the names of all that I knew who perished that day. Our remembrance, and prayers for your family will always continue.
Linda Sullivan
September 11, 2019
Always remembering...
Sean Foster
September 11, 2018
17 Years... Never met you but you are always in my thoughts every year since 2001. Rest in Peace Mr.McCrann...
Patricia Borowski
September 11, 2018
Dear Charlie, Always remembering. Prayers continue or your family. You are missed.
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Patrica Borowski
September 15, 2016
Charlie, very hard to think of the many friends and colleagues lost that day, you, among them and heading the list. You are never forgotten, and in this business, you are always missed.
By the by, the "boys" (yours first, Dick's second & mine third) are all doing well and are wonderful adults.
God bless you and the family, all of whom are forever in my prayers.
S J.. Friscia III
September 10, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
September 9, 2013
Such a wonderful guy with an incredible family. You are still thought of and remembered. It was truly a pleasure getting to know you and Michelle and the children in EM. Love, The Byrne Family
Pat Borowski
September 11, 2011
Charlie - You'd like Steve, new CG of Marsh, & he's brining your spirt back into that office. Keep them compliant & laughing in heaven. Michelle & family - you remain in our hearts & prayers.
Pat Borowski - PIA National
September 11, 2011
Dear Charlie, Michelle & Family: You remain in our hearts, prayers & thoughts. Charlie, thank you for infecting us with your professionalism, sharing our rye-tilted sense of humor & keep them compliant & laughing in heaven my friend!
Pat Borowski - PIA National
Conor Mccrann
September 9, 2011
Rip my freind
conor patrick mccrann
September 9, 2011
10 years on i never had the pleasure of meeting charles austin mccrann i will light a candle in church to remember a distant relation of mine he is up above looking after us all rest in peace to a gentleman will visit ur memorial when o return to newyork
jenny reyes
July 12, 2011
i hope you rest in peace. for my art class i was chosen a 911 victim and had to make a poster for that person for the memorial this year. i was chosen for Charles Austin McCrann. i made it to remember you and never be forgotten.
Valerie
September 11, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Patricia Borowski
September 11, 2008
Dear Michelle, Derek and Maxine - My thoughts and prayers are regularly with you, Charlie, and all that were lost and surffered. I heard that Derek is doing well in law school, I'm sure has graduated by now. Our son graduated last August & works in insurance in London. Your Derek, Dick B.'s son & then mine were born each year following the other - & we three celebrated at NAIC each milestone like that, together with a toast, birth, First Communion & on. Dick, Mary L. & I often speak of Charlie. He's still missed by this industry & his friends - and that is a powerfel professional and personal legacy. Thank you!
P Tabbernor
December 26, 2006
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 17, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Kevin Gillson
September 12, 2005
I was just thinking of my Uncle Charlie and the last time i saw him and uncle tom. When myself, my mother Susan, and my dad Joe were in New York. Tom and charlie came and took us around new york it was wonderful. miss you Charlie. great memorie to have of them.
Sincerly,
Kevin Gillson
Kim Roff
January 15, 2004
I had the pleasure of working with Charlie in Toxic Zombies. He was a wonderful man. His gentle humor will be missed.
September 11, 2003
REST IN PEACE Charles.
Patricia A, Borowski
September 10, 2003
Not sure that one year later - anyone will see or receive this - but know that Charlie's spirit and family are in my heart & prayers this second anniversary - as they are with the some many of the dear family & friends that many of us lost that day.
Sr. Virginia Anne Argenziano
September 12, 2002
I have never met your family personally but came to know of Charlies death through Jeff Behren's article. Having been born in Montclair and just a block or so from Charlie's home, I wanted you to know that although miles and years separate us from that spot, you have place in my prayer. I myself at one time would travel daily through the WTC to my job on Wall Street with ever so many others in Montclair who daily travel that route. May you know peace and God's blessings. Sr. Virginia Anne,osb
Arthur Perschetz
September 11, 2002
Attending insurance industry meetings for what seems like forever it was always a breath of fresh air to be able to visit with Charlie. A real New Yorker with a fun sense of humor. He had a big job but not a big ego and truly enjoyed being around old friends and acqaintances.I will miss his cheerful greeting.
Sean Foster
September 5, 2002
I have been a horror fan for years. As I type this, I have "Toxic Zombies" in my video collection. It's a classic movie! I must say that September 11 hit me, as well as the rest of the US, very hard. But when I heard that Chuck was one of those lost in the Twin Towers, it was painful. His film is one of the reasons why I am into low-budget movies. He left behind a legacy in the horror world. You will not be forgotten my friend.
Leslie D.
September 4, 2002
Charlie,
Your devotion to Michelle, Derek and Maxine epitomizes all that is Eagles Mere. May your memory never fade but be a reminder to the rest of us that work is "merely" a means to an end, that end being to love, provide for, and instill hope in our children for them to carry on to generations after. See you on the mountain!
Mari McCrann
June 24, 2002
I had the good fortune of being Charlie's niece. He was considerate, kind and valued his family above all else. Never one to forget a birthday, or a lunch date, I only wish I'd had more time. I love you Uncle Charlie, and I miss you everyday.
Angie Campbell
May 7, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the family and friends that you left behind on 9/11/01. Rest in his loving peace forever more.
Charlie and Jill Taylor
April 19, 2002
We met Charlie's brother and sister in law, Tom and Doreen McCrann, during vacation a couple of years ago, and were so sad to get a Christmas letter last year including the news that Tom had lost his brother in the 9/11 tragedy. To know Tom and Doreen is to love them, and although we don't get to correspond nearly as much as we'd like, they have shared so much of their family with us that we feel in ways as though we've always been friends.
Reading Charlie's tribute was like hearing one of Tom's stories, and it is easy to see, without seeing a single picture, that they are brothers.
May Charlie's presence in your lives continue to bless you with cherished memories long after his departure . . . we are sure he left you with many, and that your lives can be rich with each and every one of them.
March 4, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS REMARKABLE MAN..CHARLES AUSTIN MCCRANN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE..CHILDREN..FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS...GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK...STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY GOD GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Jay Phelan
January 15, 2002
To Charlie's family,
I was from Charlie's home town of Montclair, and met him through his brother Tom who roomed with me in college. I know how upset I was when I heard from Tom's and my friend John that Charlie was in the Trade Center that day. So I can only imagine how you all felt. I have spoken to Tom a few times, but since you don't know me, I thought this might be a way to tell you how sorry I am without being intrusive.
I hope to meet you all some day, and since I stay in touch with Tom, that might just happen.
Jay
Terry Cuthbertson Pelster
December 27, 2001
It's been a long time, but I remember Charlie well from our years together as attorneys at LeBoeuf, Lamb, Leiby & MacRae. What serendipity that I then became aware that my father was living next door to Charlie's brother Tom. My sympathies to Charlie's wife and children and thanks to your family for being so caring to my parents, now deceased.
Teresa Jahn
December 22, 2001
It sounds like Charles brought so much happiness and laughter to those around him. In reading about Charles I couldn't help but laugh when I read about the duck walk so he is still touching lives in a positively happy way. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Charles. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
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