Mark Cramton

BRISTOL - Mark Cramton, 87, passed away suddenly, Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, due to a massive stroke. Surrounded by family members at Catholic Medical Center, he ended his time peacefully. Mark was born in Sheldon, Vt., to Carroll and Elsie (Ruth) Cramton.

Mark grew up in northern Vermont, where he attended local schools and went on to further his education at the University of Vermont.

After serving his country in World War II in the Army, Mark returned home and married his sweetheart, Ruth Irish. They lived in Enosberg Falls, Vt., until 1958 and settled in Bristol with their young son, Bill, and daughter Nancy.

Prior to the advent of I-93, Bristol flourished and the opportunity to manage the First National grocery store was the catalyst for the move. Soon after, they produced one more offspring, Casey. After several years on Pleasant Street, Mark saw the need for a larger store and was instrumental in convincing owners of the company to enlarge and moved to Lake Street, now the home of the State Liquor Store in Bristol. With his savvy business sense he could see the grocery markets were in a state of transition. That being said, he left First National and purchased the former Bristol Market. Mark was the first entrepreneur in the area to provide pizza services - a total hit with IPC employees at the time of their shift change. The 80 to 90 hours per week finally got to him - as he said, golf and his family are also important.

Mark sold the market and went to work for CA Carr Company and Dead River after the sale. More fun after retirement was had as an employee for the Town of Bristol at the transfer station. He loved everyone and looked forward to weekly visits from the town folk.

Mark had a love not only for his family but for sports as well. You could always see him in his later years along the sidelines, rooting for his favorite team whether at the Newfound sidelines or Fenway Park or Schaefer Stadium.

Mark was a gifted athlete. Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, he gave up a potential career as a catcher and defended his country at the time of war. His love of sports remained with baseball, golf, skiing, basketball, and football.

Family members include his wife of 64 years and best friend, Ruth; sons Bill and Casey; daughter Nancy; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

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services: There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. at the Bristol United Church of Christ. Being community minded, in lieu of flowers, any donations should be made to the Tapply Thompson Community Center, 30 North Main St., Bristol. Arrangements are under the direction of Emmons Funeral Home of Bristol.