Joseph P. Crane Sr.

Joseph P. Crane Sr., 69, of Natick, died Friday, Feb. 18, 2011, at his home. He was the beloved husband of Sara A. Sally (Hunter) Crane, with whom he shared 49 years of marriage. A Natick resident for 41 years, he was born in Philadelphia, the son of the late James M. and Mary B. (Orton) Crane. Mr. Crane was employed by Wellesley College for 34 years, retiring in 2005. He was formerly a court tennis professional and instructor at the Philadelphia Racquet Club and later at the Boston Tennis and Racquet Club. Mr. Crane was a coach for the Natick Junior Redman Football Program, was a member of the Natick Elks, Nehoiden Golf Club at Wellesley College, St. Linus Golf League, and was an avid lifelong Philadelphia Eagles Football fan. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his five children, Joseph P. Crane Jr. and his wife, Patricia, of Arlington, Edward J. Crane and his wife, Christine, of Wentworth, N.H., Sally Ann Tingley and her husband, Vincent, of Natick, Timothy J. Crane and his wife, Kelly, of Natick, Jennifer H. Wright and her husband, Michael, of Marlborough; his brother, James M. Crane of Thorndale, Pa.; and sisters, Mary Catherine Magee of Philadelphia, Margaret Kryjer of Egg Harbor, N.J.; 22 grandchildren, Patrick, Katherine, Bridget Crane, Zachariah, Noah, Samuel, Isaiah, Rebekah, Gabriel, Shiolah, Elijah, Simeon, Hadassah Crane, Christopher, Brian, Megan Tingley, Halle, Sydney, Ryan Crane, Andrew, Michael, Nicholas Wright; and many nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Patricia OConnor. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 8 a.m., at the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St., at Natick Common, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 9 a.m., at St. Linus Church. Visiting hours are Monday, Feb. 21, from 4 to 8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Josephs memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114, or to MetroWest Hospice, 85 Lincoln St., Framingham, MA 01702.