HORNELL-Charles Richard “Dick” Crandall, 91, formerly of 385 Fairview Ave., Hornell, died Friday evening (May 29, 2015) at McAuley Manor where he had resided for the past 4 years.
A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born January 21, 1924, and was the son of Charles & Mary (Whitworth) Crandall.
Dick grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School where he served as class president of the class of 1943. While in high school, he was a 4 year member of the Red Raider Football Team and was captain of the team during his senior year.
He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the US Army Air Force. As a 1st Lieutenant, he served as Co-Pilot, flying B-24 Bombers in over 200 missions. He was featured, by name, in two books, “Aluminum Trail” and “Somewhere We Will Find You” about the pilots & co-pilots of WWII. For many years he has been a member of the Hornell American Legion.
Following his honorable discharge from the service, Dick worked for about 13 years at the Erie Railroad Shops. For several years he owned & operated the Kendall Service Station in Hornell. For 20 years, he was employed at the New York State Conservation Department, serving as fire inspector and as instructor for forest rangers. Throughout the years, Dick made many appearances with Smokey the Bear on Television Shows and in Schools, promoting fire safety.
Dick enjoyed and excelled in horseshoe pitching, playing in and winning many tournaments & competitions. He was instrumental in the formation of the Hornell Horseshoe League and also served as president of the NYS Horseshoe Association for 3 years. He had been an avid bowler and bowled in many leagues. For several years, Dick served as an instructor in the Hornell Junior Bowling League.
He volunteered his time as a coach in the Midget Football League for many years and served on the board of directors for both Hornell Midget Football League and Hornell Babe Ruth League. Dick also served as president of the Hornell Alumni Association. He had a deep love of music and played keyboard for the “Banjo Boys”. Dick enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills and the Boston Red Sox, but mostly loved rooting & cheering for his grand-children at their sporting events.
Dick was married on July 29, 1946 to the former Anne Arvidson who died September 18, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his son, James E. Crandall who died in 1999; 3 brothers, Carl Crandall, Harold Crandall & Robert Crandall; his great-great granddaughter, Hannah Logan.
Surviving are 2 daughters, Dianne (Randy) Tyner of Bradford, NY and Mary Ellen (Joe) Dropp of Hornell; 2 sons, Richard “Rick” (Marcia) Crandall of Hartsville and Steven (Sharon) Crandall of Hartsville; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; along with several nieces & nephews.
The family of Charles Richard “Dick” Crandall will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery with full military honors.
In recognition of Dick’s service to his country during WWII, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com
