Col (Dr) John Steven Cramer USAF (Ret.)

1952 - 2025

Cramer, USAF (Ret.), Col (Dr) John Steven

Mar 24, 1952 - Oct 16, 2025

Col (Dr) John Steven Cramer, USAF (Ret.), passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, in Buffalo, New York, at the age of 73, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Lewy Body Dementia. Born in 1952, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Steve was the son of Jack and Shirley Cramer. He earned a B.Sc. in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph (1974) and an M.D. from Queen's University (1978). He completed his Family Medicine Residency at McMaster University and later earned an M.S. in Epidemiology from SUNY Buffalo (2004). Colonel Cramer's distinguished career as a physician, educator, and officer spanned more than four decades. He started a family medicine practice in Stoney Creek, Ontario (1980–1992) and later served as Associate Professor of Family Medicine at SUNY Buffalo (1992–2007), where he was a medical director, educator, and mentor known for his compassion and professionalism. Answering a lifelong call to serve, Steve joined the U.S. Air Force through the 107th Air Refueling Wing (NYANG) in Niagara Falls, NY, in 1998. He served as the Commander of the 107th Medical Group (2003–2007) before transitioning to active duty. His subsequent USAF assignments included Chief of Aerospace Medicine at RAF Lakenheath (UK), Commander of the 779th Aerospace Medicine Squadron at Andrews AFB (MD), and Deputy Commander of the 72nd Medical Group at Tinker AFB (OK). A highly decorated officer, Colonel Cramer received the Bronze Star (2003) for his leadership during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Air Medal (2002) for combat missions in Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Meritorious Service Medal (2011). His professional honors included recognition as a Clinical or Academic Grand Master (USAF SEI "ME"), Fellow of the AAFP, Fellow of the CFPC, and Associate Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association. Steve was devoted to his family. He and his beloved wife, Patricia, were high school sweethearts who celebrated 51 years of marriage. He is survived by Patricia; their children Jacquie (Bryan) Tye, Geoffrey (Alyssa) Cramer, and Norman (Colleen Toledano) Cramer; grandchildren Norman, Wesley, and Violet; and his sister Mary Alice (James) Hossie. Steve lived a life of service, compassion, and integrity - as a husband, father, physician, teacher, and veteran. He lived by a strong moral code and dedicated himself to helping others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A celebration of life and luncheon will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 1:00–4:00 PM at Canterbury Woods, 1 Gates Circle, Buffalo, NY 14209. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com