Obituary of Arthur Justus Crane

Arthur Justus Crane passed away at his home in Lake Telemark surrounded by his family on February 24, 2024, at the age of 81.

Born in Montclair, NJ to Justus and Adelaide (Ryerson) Crane, he grew up in the Rainbow Lakes section of Parsippany, NJ before moving to the Lake Telemark section of Rockaway Twp. 58 years ago.

Art earned his Bachelor’s Degree in biology from Moravian University in Bethlehem, PA in 1964 and then proudly served in the United States Marines from 1964 -1965 during the Vietnam War. He was the Owner and Operator of Telemark Auto Repair for 50 years, from 1969 to 2019 when he retired. He was known for being able to fix anything and being generous with his automotive services. He snow plowed driveways all over town, enjoyed snow plowing an occasional ice hockey rink on Lake Telemark, and was always ready 24/7 to spring into action with his tow truck to help someone who had been in a car accident.

Art also was a member of the Hibernia Fire Company for over 50 years, from 1972 – 2024, he spent 2 years as Chief of the Hibernia Fire Company and also 2 years as Chief of the Rockaway Township Fire Department.  Art cherished his time with the fire department and looked forward to the Fireman’s Convention every year where he served as a delegate. He was on the Rockaway Township Planning Board, President of the Lake Telemark Community Club, and a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. 

For many years, he was an avid scuba diver. He and Ellen spent many vacations scuba diving in Bonaire. He loved deep sea fishing, golfing, bowling, trips to Florida, and most recently attending his granddaughters’ gymnastic, track, and soccer events. He loved going to or watching Yankees and Giants games on TV with his son Artie. He enjoyed watching his son Jeff play high school and collegiate sports and tackling home projects together.

He was predeceased by his sister Justine Tucker in 2015.

Art is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Ellen Patricia (Kirkwood) Crane of Lake Telemark. He is also survived by his loving sons Arthur Crane of Rockaway Twp., and Jeffrey and his wife Janet Crane of Parsippany, as well as his cherished granddaughters Audra, Noelle, and Jillian Crane. He is also survived by his sister Eugenia and her husband Adam Algeier of Keysville, VA.

Visitation will be held on Sunday March 3, 2024, from 2:00PM to 5:00PM at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue Denville, NJ 07834 www.normandean.com.

A funeral service will be held on Monday March 4, 2024, at 11:00AM at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 508 Green Pond Road, Rockaway,  NJ  07866.

Memorial donations can be made in his memory to: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 508 Green Pond Road, Rockaway, NJ 07866 or the Hibernia Fire Company, 372 Green Pond Road, Rockaway, NJ 07866 by way of www.inmemof.org.