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Frank Cranley Obituary
October 8, 2024
Modesto, California - Frank Cranley, age 76, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Bethel Assisted Living, Modesto, CA. His family and caretakers surrounded Frank in his final days.
Frank was born Francis Martin on February 19, 1948, in Montclair, New Jersey, to the late Frank and Cecelia (Reinhardt) Cranley. The loves of his life survive him: Ruth Anne (Muheim) Cranley (recently celebrating their 50th anniversary), sons Christopher (Danae) of Berkeley, CA, and Sean of Lancaster, CA, and three grandchildren, Sophie (16), Charlotte, (13) and Rowan (13) of Berkeley, CA. Frank's two sisters, Mary Mancera and Susan Maturani, reside in San Diego, CA. Sister Carol Cranley preceded Frank in death. He also has numerous nephews and nieces.
Frank was an accomplished student and athlete who received football scholarships to the University of Wyoming and Cal Western University in San Diego. He received his bachelor's degree/standard teaching credential in history, physical education, humanities, and English. He continued to receive his master's degree in school psychology at Northern Arizona University, with credentials in Pupil Personnel Services and Administration.
Frank held a life-long career in education spanning 39 years. His passion started as a teacher and coach (football, wrestling, golf) at public and private high schools. He continued in varied roles as a school psychologist, counselor, ROP director, superintendent, and educational consultant. Sometimes, as a teacher but always a leader, Frank challenged people to grow through learning and build toward goals they did not think were possible for themselves or the communities he served. He loved the mentorship process not only from others but for others.
Throughout his life, Frank enjoyed an active lifestyle, including golf, cycling, traveling, and great food and wine, especially when he could share them with family and friends. Frank had an incredible work ethic, integrity, and compassion for others. His dry humor, quick smile/laugh, and warm hugs will be missed. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
The Cranley family would like to thank Bethel Assisted Living and Seva Hospice staff. Your kindness, attentiveness, and loving care will always be appreciated and remembered.
Instead of flowers, memorials may be made in Frank's name to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Cranley
Gloria Nogales-Talley
November 10, 2024
My deepest condolences to the Cranley Family .I worked with Frank when he was employed with the Calexico Unified School District, and later became the Superintendent for Imperial School District.
A letter to my beloved Friend:
Frank, I remember when you so excitedly insisted in taking us to see the weird house you had built :) . My husband and I met your very lovely wife and gorgeous little boys, and one could feel the tremendous love within the quarters of that home! We lost track of each other when we both left the Imperial Valley, nonetheless , all these years I had wondered about your whereabouts. You were one of those Incredible human beings who's genuine kindness, warmth and generousity one never forgets; Just the thought of you would be a reminder of living an examplary compassionate, loving life and I say that from the bottom of my heart. Frank, you were one of those special individuals that made this World a better one. You will always have a special place in my heart my friend, and now the heavens are rejoicing in your coming. God bless your Cranley family that are grieving your absence, but I know that your light, which was magical, will always shine within each of them.
Adios amigo mio.
Gloria Nogales Talley
Shelley Cranley
October 28, 2024
My heartfelt condolences to Ruth, Chris, Sean and the family. I have treasured memories of visits with Frank and the family over the years that will stay with me until it´s my time. Rest in Peace, Frank - I am sure you were welcomed with open arms.
Gerry Greenfield
October 27, 2024
My wife, Cathy and I were blessed to know Frank in high school at Maryvale High in Phoenix. Later when his career took him to Holtville we were starting a career in golf and lived in Yuma, just across the sand dunes from Holtville. Again a few years later we lived in Monterey County and would see Frank often as he would come to town for a yearly conference. We would always make it a point to at least go to dinner at one of the great restaurants there and if time permitted, play a round of golf while he was there. There were also occasional visits to Modesto when we got to spend time with both Frank and Ruth.
I don't need to list the many personal qualities Frank was blessed with, as anyone who spent more than a minute with him knows what a kind, gentle and loving man Frank was. He had the perfect personality to counsel others. He was humble and compassionate which drew his friends and co-workers to him and yes, a fierce competitor in sports and life but always humble.
Our lives have been continually blessed to have known Frank and Ruth and send our condolences to Ruth, Christopher, Sean and the entire Cranley family. Thanks for sharing so many great moments with us. You've completed the race, a life well lived.
Cathy and Gerry Greenfield
Geni & Conny Brunner
October 22, 2024
We are happy to remember Frank, as we experienced him on the occasions of our rare visits to Holtville and Modesto (most recently at the end of 2017)
Our thoughts are with you, Geni & Conny Brunner, Switzerland/currently in Uruguay
Carolyn Claverie
October 21, 2024
I didn't know Frank well. I believe he started teaching at Holtville High School the year after I graduated.
All I know is that my friend, Ruth, was very busy hanging out with him. I never got over that until I saw you both on your 40 anniversary and you two were still so happy and in love.
Rest in peace, Frank. Hopefully I'll be able to hang out with Ruth again.
Phil & Janet Kunde
October 21, 2024
Frank was a great friend and a wonderful person, genuinely a 'nice man'. We first met Frank and Ruth while both of our homes were under construction in 2000, and as neighbors we became fast friends, sharing a meal from time to time and always enjoying a visit and a laugh. We will miss Frank, and all that he contributed to our lives.
Phil & Janet Kunde
Susie VanHouten
October 21, 2024
Our memories of Frankie will be forever in our hearts. He was a kind, generous and loving friend who will always be cherished in the hearts of the many friends and families he touched.
Our deepest condolences to Ruthie, Christopher, Sean and Frankie´s grandchildren, and family including Susie and Tony Maturani and Mary and Jerry Mancera.
You had a great ride, Frankie and touched many lives along the way. Rest in Peace.
Susie and Craig
Wayne Clark
October 21, 2024
Like Dante has shared, Frank was a "great Friend and Teammate." I'm thankful we had a chance to visit and reconnect just a few years ago and hear memories of his life achievements. My condolences to Ruth and the family.
Xen & Shirley Jones
October 20, 2024
Ruth, Please accept our heartfelt condolences as you grieve. Our prayers will be that God will give you & your Family comfort!
Xen & Shirley Jones
Dante Scarnecchia
October 20, 2024
Frank and I were students and members of the Cal Western Football Team in 1968-69. He was a great Friend and Teammate! He will be missed and always respected by those of us who knew him.
Albert elgen
October 20, 2024
I was one of franks students in high school at holtville high school I always like him and like the way he taught ge will be missed by all his students.
Urs and Rigette Wüthrich
October 20, 2024
Condolences from Switzerland!
Urs and Rigette Wüthrich
Todd Kennedy
October 19, 2024
The Kennedys send there condolences to the Cranley family. My wife any I didn't have Frank as a teacher but I was mentored as a new cyclist by him and really appreciated his knowledge. He was a very accomplished rider and a tough competitor.
Rick Johnson
October 19, 2024
Sincerest condolences to Ruth and the Cranley family. He will be missed by many. May your grief be replaced with fond memories.
Emily Gongora Flores-Castillejo
October 19, 2024
My most heartfelt sincere Condolences to Ruth and Family.
Frank one of my most favorite teachers/person. Full of encouragement and advice always wanting the best for you. A Great Man.
Thank You for being you. Rest in Peace.
Craig Magill Class of `73
October 19, 2024
Mr. Cranley was one of the more outstanding teachers that made a difference in the daily lives of his students at Holtville High. I rarely left his class that I did not feel better. Rest in peace.
Connie Campbell
October 19, 2024
Ruth...please accept my condolences. Mr. Cranley was one of my teachers at Holtville High School that I never forgot. He was one of my favorites not only as a teacher but as a human being. I so enjoyed his teaching process. I´m sure I speak for many of my former classmates that Mr. Cranley was one of the best teachers of our time. I will be praying for God to give you and your loved ones peace and comfort at this time. Rest in peace Mr. Cranley
Tony Maturani
October 19, 2024
God I loved Frankie. Over all the years we had together I will miss him dearly more than my own brother because Frankie was my brother. A very fun guy if you knew him. Serious of course, kind absolutely, generous you bet,
competitive he wrote the book. Teacher he tried to teach me how to Golf and I still can't play his teaching or my ability? The
dinners we shared with Frankie and Ruthie
were so much fun he loved Susie's cooking.
Always a feast made from the most simple
things pasta,pasta,pasta. We ate great and the laughter around the table never stopped. I'll
never forget Frankie living with us when Susie
and me were first married. The best of these and memories, between the three of us we didn't have two nickels to rub together. But
Frankie and us became very successful and we would talk about our early years together.
I could go on and on. I'm crying my eyes out for the love I have not for my brother in law but for
my brother my dear friend.
Rest In Peace love you so much much Frankie.
Tony
Lea Anne OMalley
October 19, 2024
Oh, I am so saddened by this notice. Frank has always been one of my favorite people. Even after not seeing him since he moved from the valley, I would think of him often...especially if I passed by the little house he lived on just outside of Holtville.
My sincerest condolences to all of his loved ones.
Susie Maturani
October 17, 2024
Susie maturani
October 17, 2024
I was doblucky yo have a brother as special as frankie. From the veryvl beginning we were attached at the hip. He was always my protector especially during our typing years. Tony frankie and I grew up together, from the days he lived with us while he,was in college (our newly wed days). We ultimately became not only brother sister and brother in law but the best of friends. Once ruthie came into our lives it became even better. We enjoyed each other's company emencily. His request for linguine and claims each time he foned at our home with caesar salad of course will forever be engranded in my mind. He was so spontaneous we with his love and wit. I never ever questioned how much he and ruthie lived us and enjoyed our many many special times together. I love you and miss you my dear brother. I so look forward to the day we will all meet again. Hugs and kisses to all that are now cradling you in their arms. Live you sweet brother of mine
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