Jacob "Jack" Crane

Jacob ( Jack) Crane passed away September 22, 2025 at the age of 92. He survived his wife of 64 years, Nedra June Crane ( Rosing) and brother, Michael Crane. He is survived by his children Neil Crane ( Amy Sceery) and Stacey Crane Dussault ( Joseph Dussault) and three grandchildren Ari and Eva Dussault and Izzy Crane. Jack was a devoted husband who thoroughly enjoyed his life with Nedra and loved her incredible energy and enthusiasm in planning their travels. Together, they shared countless adventures-around the world and later, closer to home in New York City. As the family patriarch he was "all in" and ready to go at all family gatherings, which ranged from international vacations, weekly dinners to jazz, blues and flamenco concerts. He never missed an opportunity to share his great collection of wines and culinary dishes with family, friends and colleagues. Jack was a constant and joyful presence in the lives of his grandchildren, who were welcome to call him Grandpa or "Jack". He encouraged them in their endeavors and took a keen interest in their activities. Jack played a deeply meaningful role in the lives of his two children. From a young age, they were well aware of his true commitment to them and of his significant contributions to the scientific community as well as his unwavering passion for work and mentoring. As adults, they recognized and treasured the rare gift of having their father actively a part of their lives for so many years. Jack regularly reminded them how pleased he was that they had such great spouses and kids. Jack instilled in his family and countless others the value of making a difference in the world. He wanted everyone to feel passionate about their work and he found purpose in helping others, in the science and educational community, as well as almost everyone he met along the way. Jack earned a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering degree at Purdue University and a Master's Degree in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science at Yale University. Following a distinguished career at Pratt and Whitney, he worked at Olin Corporation Metals Division for three decades. During that time, he authored or co-authored more than 50 industry-related papers and is the co-holder of over 30 patents related to processes, alloys, and products. In 1994, Jack began his tenure at CONNSTEP where he helped the state's manufacturers improve operations, adopt new technologies, and remain competitive. Jack was resolute in his commitment to Connecticut business, mentoring the next generation, supporting innovation in all its manifestations. Crane was CONNSTEP's second-ever and longest tenured employee, helping build the organization from its origins as the State Extension Partnership at UConn to a diverse, 30 person team in 2025. For 28 years Jack served as the Program Director of the New Haven Science Fair and lead of the New Haven Science Fair Program Steering Committee where he worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for students and foster a love of science. In 2001, together with the NHSF team, Jack received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring for their work with underrepresented students in STEM. Jack was a Fellow of the American Society of Materials, a recipient of the UCONN Engineering Services Award, and the first-ever recipient of the NIST/MEP Lifetime Achievement Award and recipient of the Leadership award for the Manufacturing Hall of Fame. Jack served on the UConn Institute of Materials Science (IMS) External Advisory Board for more than two decades. Jack made a great impact at UCONN. He believed in the university-industry collaboration and helped faculty and students translate research into practice. Over the years, his numerous contributions have been acknowledged with the Leadership Award from the American Manufacturing Hall of Fame, the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and his induction as an honorary member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE). Jack's legacy of service, vision, and faith in people will live on for all who knew him and felt the lasting impact of his life. Memorial Service to honor Jack will be arranged in the coming weeks. Donations in Jack's memory may be made to the Jack Crane Science Scholarship ofthe Community Foundation of Greater New Haven. https://www.cfgnh.org/funds/jack-crane-science-scholarship-fund https://www.cfgnh.org/articles/the-jack-crane-science-scholarship-fund