John F. Crane, Jr.

“I don’t make the policy; I just make sure that it’s carried out”. The phase is the life motto of Spec. 7 John F. Crane, a U.S. Army career man terminated his 20 years of service July 31, in ceremonies at Tobyhanna Army Depot.

For the past three months, Crane worked as executive coordinator in TAD’s Headquarters Detachment. At the ceremonies, Depot Commander Col. Paul R. Poulin commended him for outstanding services.

Those who’ve worked with Specialist Crane attest to the sincerity behind his motto. He has had to practice what he preaches, for he’s worked of some of the world’s top decision makers.

In 1958, he was serving as an administrative assistance at West Point Military Academy. The same year, President Eisenhower picked the site for his conference of Youth Fitness. Attending the conference, among others, was then Vice-President Richard M, Nixon.

Acting as conference chief in Eisenhower’s place, Nixon needed a secretary. Specialist Crane filled the requirements and took over as the Vice-President’s right hand man for three days.

Later in his career, Crane became administrative assistance to Dr. Richard Holbrook, nuclear physicist stationed in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Dr. Holbrook”, he notes, “was one of the scientist involved with the development of the atom bomb in World War II. He is brilliant.”

In Bangkok, Crane commanded a staff of 14 people. However, he also found time to be a sportsman, bowling the first 300 game in Thailand.

His final tour of duty was spent as administrative assistant to Lt. Gen. Antonio Taverna at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe. Lt. Gen. Taverna handled all supply and administration for NATO.

It is this period that Crane marks the highlight of his career.

“General Taverna is a fascinating man with real compassion. He had felling for every nation in the alliance.” The general is now military governor of Northern Italy.

Crane, a Masco native, enumerates many benefits from his service career. Having spent 14 years of duty overseas, He was able to educate his children in Department of Defense Schools. They all speak fluent French.

Before coming to Tobyhanna, he went on an extensive sightseeing trip though Europe. Accompanying him were his wife, the former Mary V. Ellis of San Diego, and their three children John III, Yoi, and Jean.

When asked for a summation of his Army career, Specialist Crane put it quite succinctly: “I’d do it again in a minute.”

"We are all called upon to do great things with love" (Mother Theresa)

Dad Mom met when they were in the Army. Dad made a career in the Army and Mom left the Army after a few year to become a housewife and mother. They remained married for 51 years.

Because of his military background he was the stricter one of my parents and Mom was always more easy going. And always had a smile. Their different personality made me a more rounded person and better able to deal with real life situations as I grew up.

Even though my parents didn't have much money, they found it in their hearts to adopt me and include me in their family. They made sure that I was well taking care of and give me a good education. I dreamed about coming to America since I was a young child and they made this dream come true. I owe the good life that I now have to Dad and Mom. For this I'm very grateful and have nothing but love and respect for both of them.

Even though Dad was half Italian, he lived his life as though he was 100% Italian which included strong family ties. This is the reason why he was always there to help his family and friends.

One of Dad favorite saying was "This is a democratic house, only my vote counts". Dad told me he had a good life, so don't cry for me. He wanted us to celebrate our lives now.

Thank you Dad and mom for being part of our lives.