Peter William Crane

Peter lived a rich life of service to his loving family and his community. Having spent 35 years in healthcare and his time as a volunteer firefighter, he was often described as a superhero, and he wore that badge with honor. His work as a physician, his involvement with the Rochester Police Department, and his volunteer work with a federal disaster management team fueled his passion for community involvement and his desire to help those in need.

Peter began his career path as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department and worked his way through his degree from the University of Rochester, during which time he met his partner and loving wife, Susan. Medical School took them to Philadelphia, PA where he graduated from MCP Hahnemann University with plans to pursue a childhood dream of becoming a surgeon. After the birth of his son, Colton, residency brought them back to Rochester and closer to family. Not long after, they welcomed another son, Rowan, at which point Peter recognized his desire for family outweighed the demands of being a surgeon and made the decision to return to his first love, Emergency Medicine, where he spent the remainder of his career working at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Peter was known for his love of food and cooking and his strict adherence to family holiday traditions. He had an open-door policy and was known for inviting anyone and everyone who might be alone for the holidays to join us for food, some terrible singing, and a lot of laughter. The Food Network was on in the home nearly 24/7, and he was surrounded by stacks of recipes and notebooks full of ideas and things he wanted to prepare and share with his friends and loved ones. Food was his love language.

When he wasn’t being a superhero for the public, he was often seen cheering on his sons in their wrestling tournaments and was once spotted on the local news jumping up and down celebrating a proud win that sent his son, Colton, to the state wrestling championship. They spent hours grappling in the living room where the double-leg takedown, armbar, and crossface became their outward displays of affection. Peter had a deep love of music, specifically the blues, and would spend hours late at night listening to old albums with Rowan and could often be heard arguing about the impact of giants like Blind Lemon Jefferson, Muddy Waters, and Robert Johnson. Both sons, whom he was immensely proud of, have also chosen to honor their father’s legacy of service and are pursuing careers in healthcare.

Peter was a supportive, loving, and dedicated husband and father. He and Susie celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this January, and he spent his entire adult life caring for his family, nurturing friendships, and always checking in on the people he loved. He was someone who valued relationships that were formed over a firm handshake and an old-fashioned code of honor. The people Peter brought into his life reflected his exceptional discernment in character.

Peter was preceded in death by his father, David H. Crane; his infant son, Ethan; his beloved uncle William Albrecht; his loving grandparents Floyd & Barbara Crane and William & Sheilah Albrecht.

He is survived by his adoring wife, Susan Crane; his sons Colton & Rowan Crane; his mother Barbara A. Crane; Uncle John & Jean Crane; Aunt Wendy Piserchia; cousins Christine and Erik Hoovert, Erin & Roberto Hernandez, Kristine & Kenneth Gilbert, and Jeffrey Crane & Cameron Shaw; and his beloved Newfoundland dog, Banshee.

Peter’s life was full of laughter, generosity, and passionate late-night debates. His memory will continue to live on in the stories shared by those who knew and loved him and in the hearts of the family and friends he adored so much.

Calling Hours will be held at the Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home, 2125 Chili Ave, Rochester, New York 14624, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Story of Hope Comfort Care Home at https://www.storyofhoperochester.com/donate