Thomas George Crane, D.Ed.

Thomas George Crane, D.Ed., 84, of Clearwater, Fla., formerly of Butler died July 6, after a brief battle with cancer.

Dr. Crane taught art education for nearly 40 years at the Butler School District, Seneca Valley schools, Butler County Community College and Penn State University.

Beloved by generations of students, he was known for his great sense of humor and often unbelievable stories.

Dr. Crane grew up in a lively family of six children in Philadelphia. His art career began when he won a scholarship to the famed Philadelphia Museum School. He continued his education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (B.S.), Pennsylvania State University (M.A.), and the University of Pittsburgh (D.Ed.)

He participated in programs at Rutgers University and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Art Education Association, Kappa Delta Pi International Honorary Society, Theta Chi Fraternity and several national art honorary societies.

During his career, Dr. Crane produced hundreds of paintings and sculptures inspired by the abstract expressionism movement. His canvases have hung in galleries and museums from San Francisco to Paris, including Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Three Rivers Art Festival, Clarion University and Slippery Rock University. Dr. Crane served as president of the Butler Arts Council, president of Butler Artists Association, president of Butler Little Theatre and president of Butler County Symphony Association.

Dr. Crane served his country with honor and valor in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and volunteered at the VA Hospital. He attended St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Butler for many years, and after his relocation to Florida, he was an active parishioner at St. Anne's Byzantine Catholic Church in New Port Richey. His hobbies included military history, reading, travel, investment strategy and enjoying a good cigar. Most of all, he was a proud father who cherished spending time with his family.

Dr. Crane is survived by his children, Thomas George Crane Jr., Peter Grant (Edna) Crane and Kristin Crane (Charles) Harper; his sister, Anna May; his brother, Daniel Crane; six grandchildren, Cameron, Christiana, Philip, Trace, Natalia and Natielli; his great-grandson, Matteo; a number of nieces and nephews; and his former wife, Margaret “Peggy” Crane.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Michael, John and William “Father Basil.”

CRANE — A visitation and reception for Thomas George Crane, who died Thursday, July 6, 2017, will be from 5 to 7 p.m. July 28 at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home — Tyrone Chapel, 7820 N. 38th Ave., St. Petersburg.The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. July 29 at St. Therese's Byzantine Catholic Church, 4265 13th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, with a celebration of life luncheon to follow at the Hilton Doubletree, 17120 Gulf Boulevard, North Redington Beach. His burial will be at 10:45 a.m. Monday at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard, St. Petersburg.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Anne's Byzantine Catholic Church, 7120 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey, FL 34653 or to the American Cancer Society. Online donations may be made at www.memorial-donations.org.Sign the family's personalized online guest book at www.andersonmcqueen.com.