Bruce Crandall

1942 - 2025

On Tuesday afternoon of September 30, 2025 Bruce Bennett Crandall's Candle went out, but his light will shine for eternity. He was surrounded by his family who loved him, with his wife and daughter by his side as he peacefully passed in Midlothian, Virginia. Bruce was born on May 1, 1942 in Olean New York, he was the oldest of three children born to Therold Lawrence Crandall and Julia Margaret Bennett Crandall.

Bruce always led by example and this was a trait that was instilled in him at an early age when he became an Eagle Scout. Years later as he continued demonstrating exceptional leadership skills, he enlisted in another prestigious fraternity, the United States Marine Corp. He served for three years from 1963-66 at the Ceremonial Guard Company, Marine Barracks at 8th and I S.E. Washington, D.C. During this time Bruce was promoted to the renowned Silent Drill Team and the distinguished Presidential Honor guard.

Bruce graduated from Ricker College in Houlton, Maine. He received a BA degree in Psychology, founded a fraternity chapter, Phi Gamma Omicron, and had his own radio show at WHOU. During his attendance at Ricker College he met the love of his life Penelope Sterling Crandall and when on the air he would often dedicate the song "Pennies from Heaven" to her! The couple married and had a daughter, Heidi and a son, Sterling.

Bruce was employed by Aetna Life and Casualty for over 25 years and became one of their top executives. He later joined the Reciprocal as Vice President of their Financial Services Group. After retiring he became restless, enjoyed working with people and became a Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster.

Bruce never wanted to be the center of attention, he never boasted about his achievements, but was always quick to hand out compliments to others. He was quiet, humble and had a kind and gentle soul.

Bruce was a devoted husband for 62 years to his beloved wife, Penelope Sterling Crandall and was a devoted father and pillar of strength to his children Heidi Sterling Crandall Brooks and Sterling Bennett Crandall. Survived by his wife, Penelope Sterling Crandall, daughter, Heidi S. Crandall Brooks and her husband, Carlton of Charlottesville, Va. son, Sterling Bennett Crandall and his wife Carla of Asheville, N.C. He is also survived by his brother, Robert T. Crandall and wife Joyce of Charleston, S.C., Sister in Law, Pamela Sterling Walker of Surry, Maine, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Therold L. Crandall and Margaret B. Crandall of Florida and his sister, Nancy Karwoski of Florida.

A private memorial service was held at Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel in Richmond, Va. On October 3, 2025.

Bruce was a remarkable patriarch, husband and father.

We shall miss him more than words can ever express, and he will be part of us forever.