NORWICH – Richard M. “Dick” Crandall, 85, well-known Norwich stonemason, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2009, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital, following a short illness.
Born in Rome in February of 1924, Dick moved to Norwich with his family when he was very young and spent the remainder of his life in and around the Norwich area. He was the son of Kenneth R. and Pearl States Crandall. Dick received his formal education in the Norwich schools, where he enjoyed playing football, but learned his life’s work at his father’s knee, watching him do stone masonry. Dick was a hard worker throughout his years, joining several generations of his family in stone masonry and brick laying. As an active member of the IBEW, including some years as its trustee, Dick worked up and down the east coast, going anywhere the union needed work done, but mainly in New York State. He also worked with both Smith Ford and Christman Motors, helping to move their newly acquired cars from other dealerships and also worked for several years as a substitute mail carrier on RD #2 Norwich.
On Sept. 4, 1942, Dick married Elizabeth “Liz” Kalicicki of Preston. During their years together, Dick assisted Liz in the operation of her business, Dick’s General Store. Dick built their first home, from native stone, on North Road, and later added to the residence on West Hill which they purchased from Dr. Kinney. Together, Dick and Liz enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. Liz predeceased him on Sept. 15, 1995. In November of 1998, Dick married Doris Blackman, who predeceased him in 2007.
Away from the job, Dick was a kid at heart. He enjoyed the company of children, who seemed to recognize a kindred spirit in Dick. During his years as a resident of Preston, he would include the 32 kids living there in his family’s outdoor activities or when he took his own children to the movies. An athletic man, Dick enjoyed swimming, camping, fishing, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. He had played semi-pro hockey, and loved watching the games at Colgate.
Dick is survived by his daughters and their spouses: Patti and David Harne of Kasilof, Alaska, Kathy M. and Jimmy Hollingsworth of Lavinia, Tenn., and Cecy Yerton of Preston; by his former son-in-law and faithful caregiver, Larry Abbott and wife Bonnie of Norwich; and by his grandchildren and their spouses: Travis and Kelly Abbott, Tim and Jenny Abbott, Tom Abbott, Todd Abbott, Troy and Erica Abbott, Joe and Tess Bronson, Marshall and Rachel Bronson, James and Crystal Bronson, and Michael, Angelina, Sabrina, Teanna, and John Bronson; Kim Reihl, and Mildred and Rick Cross. He is also survived by 34 great grandchildren. In addition to his wives, Dick was predeceased by his only sister, Alice Downey; and by his grandson, Ken Phillips.
Funeral services for Dick were held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 20, from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Richard Tosh of Greene officiated. Interment followed in St. Paul’s Cemetery with Rev. Tosh offering the committal prayers. Friends called at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Sunday from 7-9 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815.