Robert J. Crane

Robert J. Crane, 73, a longtime resident of Chicopee, Mass., and formerly of Enfield, died on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, at home.

He was a customer service representative for Northeast Utilities and an employee at Enterprise Rental Car. Bob was born on Jan. 18, 1938, in Thompsonville. He was the son of the late John and Mildred (Bateman) Crane. Robert was a communicant of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr, and a 1956 graduate of Enfield High School. He was a fourth-degree knight of the Knights of Columbus St. Anthony Council 15125. Bob was also a lector at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Patrick Church and a member of the parish council at the basilica. Bob was a compassionate, loving and selfless husband and father. He was a "gentlemen's gentleman," who was known for his impeccable dress, sense of humor, impressions, handyman skills, and his love of Big Band-era music and map-making.

He is predeceased by a son, Daniel Robert; his two brothers, John and Ronald, and his partner, Leo. Bob is survived by his wife of 26 years, Katherine Nowak-Crane; three sons, Kevin, and his partner, Lisa, Sean Patrick, and his partner, Jackie, and Tim, and his wife, Jennifer; two daughters, Alison, and her husband, John, and Colleen, and her husband, Rob; three grandchildren, Grahame, Lucinda Grace, and Shannon; beloved Letasz and Nowak in-laws, especially his niece, Tara; lifelong friends, Freddie, Rita, Theresa, and John; and his beloved pets, Hoover, Marshmallow, Mr. Mike, Buttons, and Annie.

The family would like to thank the hospice staff at the Baystate Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice for their compassionate and loving care.

Bob's funeral will be held on Monday, Oct. 31, 2011, from the Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home, 61 Grape St., Chicopee center, at 9 a.m. followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial in the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, 566 Front St., Chicopee, at 10 a.m. His burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, 800 Montgomery St., Chicopee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, 566 Front St., Chicopee, MA 01013.

Cierpial Memorial Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements, 413-598-8573.