William M. "Bill" Cranker

William M. 'Bill' Cranker AmsterdamWilliam M. Bill Cranker, 65, former Commissioner of the Department of Social Services for Montgomery County, was received into the arms of the Lord on Thursday, May 29, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. A lifelong area resident, Bill was born on March 18, 1949 in Amsterdam, NY, the only child of William and Mary Sexton Cranker. Bill graduated from Fonda High School and later went on to attend Siena College where he graduated in 1971 with a degree in political science. Upon graduation he accepted a position in the insurance field. Bill began his career in public service as a laborer for the Town of Mohawk in July of 1966. In 1975 he was hired by Montgomery County to become a social welfare examiner. In 1978 he was promoted to caseworker for the child welfare department and eventually became the head examiner in 1984. On July 1, 1989 he was appointed as Deputy Commissioner of the Montgomery County Department of Social Services and served in this capacity until his appointment as the commissioner of the department on January 1, 2003. During his tenure in public office he served on various committees and was involved with several organizations. Bill retired in December of 2010. Although Bill dedicated most of his life to public service and the residents of Montgomery County, his greatest joys were being a husband and father. Bill was an avid outdoorsman whose passion for hunting was enjoyed for over 47 years with his fellow State Brook Cadets. He treasured their times at their camp in Arietta and was proud to have served as president of the State Brook Cadets. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Theresa Martuscello Cranker, who he married on September 5, 1987 in Amsterdam, NY, as well as his cherished four children, Danielle, Michael, Maria and Brian. Bill is also survived by three brothers-in-law, Daniel Martuscello and his wife, Sheila, Richard Martuscello and his wife, Lorraine and Joseph Martuscello and his wife, Irene; a special uncle, the Rev. Victor Polito; his beloved dog, Bella; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 11 o'clock at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam with Bill's uncle, the Rev. Victor Polito as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 from 4 until 7 p.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill's memory to his godson's scholarship fund: the Matt Martuscello Scholarship Fund, 25 Knollwood Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Please visit the online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com.