Harrisville - Benjamin M. Crane, 86, of 14413 Austin Road, passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon, October 8, 2015, in the Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility in Lowville where he has resided for the past four months.

Ben was born in Canton on August 11, 1929, the son of the late Benjamin H. and Cora C. Paro Crane. He was educated at Carthage High School, Syracuse University and also attended classes at BOCES. He served in the U. S. Air Force from 1948 to 1968 and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. He was awarded the "Airman of the Year" award in 1964. He married Doris H. Higman on September 4, 1951 at the St. James Rectory in Carthage. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he became a dental technician while living in Michigan. When the couple moved back to Harrisville, he continued to operate his dental lab from his residence for many years.

He was an active and former member of the Lions Club in Harrisville and the American Legion Post in Watertown.

He is survived by his wife, Doris H. of Harrisville, three daughters: Beth Crane of Harrisville, Cathy Crane of Smelterville, ID and Mrs. Tim (Kristie) Filonczuk of Williamsville, NY, one son: Gregory Crane of Nashua, NH, 7 Grandchildren, 2 Great Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by 3 brothers, Richard, Everett and Ceylon Crane and a sister, Marion Menard.


Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 AM at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, Carthage with the Rev. Frances Hemstreet officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Carthage. Calling hours will be on Monday from 5-7pm at the funeral home

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Memorial donations may be made to the Lions Eye Institute, Albany Medical Center, 1220 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208.
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