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Richard Cramer Obituary
Baltimore: Journalist and author Richard Ben Cramer, age 62, died on January 7, 2013, surrounded by his family and dear friends. He is survived by his wife Joan Katherine Cramer, his daughter, Ruby Cramer of New York City; two sisters Judith Cramer-Fendelman of New York City and Lynne (Lina) Cramer of Evanston Illinois; and two nephews Nate Cramer Durning of Knoxville, TN and Eli Fendelman of Hillsdale, NJ. He was the son of A. Robert and Blossom Cramer of Brighton. His first marriage to Carolyn White ended in divorce.
Cramer graduated from Brighton High School, Johns Hopkins and Columbia School of Journalism. Writing for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Cramer won a 1979 Pulitzer Prize for his international reporting on the Middle East.
Cramer was the author of several books, notably What It Takes and Joe DiMaggio - numerous magazine articles and documentaries. In tribute, Governor of Maryland Martin J. O'Malley stated, "Richard's work as a gifted writer and deeply principled journalist made our Republic a better place: made us a stronger more compassionate, and more understanding people. We have lost one of the best political reporters of our time".
Family requests donations in Richard Ben's honor be made to:
Johns Hopkins University
Send to:
Fund for Johns Hopkins Medicine
5200 Eastern Avenue
MFL Center Tower, Suite 356
Baltimore, MD 21224
Note on check: "In memory of Richard Ben Cramer."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Cramer
February 21, 2013
As the bible says at Luke 43:23 we will see Richard in paradise
Susan (Allen) Gerber
February 6, 2013
My sincere condolences to the whole family. Lynne, hope you remember me...Susan Allen (Gerber). I feel sadness or your family in the loss of your brother.
yoda
January 30, 2013
Wow! 62 years old is not that old at all, my mom was 62 yrs old when she fell asleep in death. I found relief the knowing that now she is at peace,and that one day soon she will live again,in a righteous new world.Ps.29:11
L. Walters
January 24, 2013
Mr. Cramer seemed like a person who lived his life to the fullest, Now he's asleep hoping to hear the words Lazarus heard when Jesus resurrected him saying "Lazarus come out" meaning from the grave. So rest in peace.
January 12, 2013
"Happy are those who mourn,since they will be comforted."matt 5:4,please take comfort in these words~~~~~~~~~~
January 12, 2013
Joan, Judy, and Lynne. We are saddened to learn of Richard"s death. He was an extraordinary person. We send our condolences to you and your families. Lois and Sidney Markus (Medical Arts 1960's)
Marie M
January 11, 2013
May the God of comfort strengthens you and gives you peace as you go through this difficult time.
January 11, 2013
Dear Cramer family we are sorry for your loss.Make God your strength in the days ahead.
Ula Mae Johnson
January 10, 2013
My condolences to the Cramer family for their loss. Pray that your family can rely on God during this time of distress.
David Elins
January 10, 2013
Richard - you will be missed.
I've had a special place in my heart for you ever since our bi-weekly rides to Hebrew school, Dickie, way back then. I admired your wit and intelligence even back then.
I truly hope your passing was peaceful and I wish the best to you and your family.
January 10, 2013
Comfort and condolences to the family of Richard Ben Cramer. Isa.12:2.
January 10, 2013
Joan,
Please accept my deepest sympathy in Richard's death. What a sad day for many. God is a refuge for us to us cope with difficult times as this. Ps. 46:1
January 9, 2013
I knew him only a few days at the very end of his life but his loving, compassionate, humorous nature were obvious. May you feel no more pain. God bless
S.Griggs
January 9, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
EG
January 9, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
B Lucas
January 9, 2013
My sincere condolence for the loss of Richard your dear loved one. May you receive comfort from the God of all comfort. Peace and love to your family and friends, and to the spirit you show.
January 9, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Lee
January 9, 2013
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Cramer family. May the God of all comfort and hope be with you during this difficult time.
Jane Dowling
January 9, 2013
God bless you ~ Rest in peace.
LP
January 9, 2013
May the GOD who comforts all comfort you in your timeof pain and grief. (2corinth.1:3) May your fond memories of him bring you comfort and peace.
January 9, 2013
Sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the Hearer of prayer at this time. Psalm 65:2
Dave Schooler
January 9, 2013
I had the pleasure of working with him on the B'rith Kodesh Star in 1961 (he was in 6th grade), and managed to save the issue to this day! He wrote a profile of being a closet hanger! I would love to share it with you. A great writer, and sorry I never saw him again.
Linda-Ann (Sucher) Priddle
January 8, 2013
I just looked back at our Yearbook from BHS '67 and couldn't help but think of the Dr. Seuss book, "Oh, The Places You'll Go." I hope that somewhere in that journey you've chronicled your life through your eyes - the road you traveled from BHS and what drove you along it. We've seen the ends, hope we someday get to see the means. Shalom
Donna B
January 8, 2013
The Soul is everlasting.
Kathleen McCarthy
January 8, 2013
Thanks for the excellent and offbeat writing for our beloved show ThirtySomething on Abc 15 Eoisides of intelligent composition So sorry for the loss of Richard. Kathleen McCarthy Producer/Wriiter Senefest.com
Bob Hartman
January 8, 2013
Being a lifelong baseball fan,the death of RB Cramer is a loss that I take personally. His definitive bio of Joe D is compelling and truly well written. I'll miss him as others who appreciated his style of reporting will attest. RIP, Mr. Cramer.
Lacy McCrary
January 8, 2013
A great reporter and human being.
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