PLYMOUTH – Leon R. Crandall Jr., known affectionately throughout his life as “Todd,” passed away unexpectedly at the age of 50 on Sunday, April 20, 2008, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born to Leon and Margaret (Bodington) Crandall Sr. in Fall River, Mass., in February of 1958, Todd began his school years in Tiberton, Rhode Island. In 1969 his family moved to South Otselic, and Todd finished his education in the Otselic Valley School. During the brief time he lived in the Bainbridge/Harpursville area, he worked in the saw mill and as a logger for Pomeroy Lumber in Nineveh. But Todd found his real niche as a self-employed well driller and farmer. There wasn’t a piece of equipment he couldn’t run, and he fell in love with tractors from his first ride on one at the tender age of 5. During his 16 years on the farm in Plymouth, he amassed a nice collection of antique tractors. He had a real affection for animals, especially his dogs and cows. Todd was a man of few words and a man of his word, making many friends in his business dealings and always looking after the less fortunate. Overall, Todd was known for his compassion and fairness, including bartering with someone who couldn’t afford to pay for his services. Among his family, he was known to be a great chef who specialized in yummy breakfasts. He loved spending time with his family and fishing with the kids, and enjoyed the tractor pulls at the local fairs.
Todd is survived by his companion of 21 years, Mari Ruff of Plymouth; his parents, Leon and Margaret Crandall of Oxford; his children and their spouses, Leon and Debbie Crandall III of Portlandville, Jennifer Crandall of Zephyrhills, Fla., Monique Bennett of South New Berlin, Heather Crandall of Philadelphia, Brooks Ruff of Bainbridge, and Dustin Ruff of Unadilla; and by his sisters and brothers and their spouses: Beth and Thomas Fallen of Endicott, Robert and Karen Crandall of Georgetown, David Crandall of Oxford, Molly and Ben Rounds of Norwich, Amy and Peter Ragonese of Albany, Martha and James Martyn of Hazel Park, Mich., and Megan and Wade Mitchell of McGraw. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Abby, Laken, Cheyanne, Jake, Gabby, Morgan, Matt, Kyle, Gabe, and Christian; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Private funeral services for Todd will be held at the convenience of his family.
Interment will be in the South Side Cemetery of Plymouth, with the Rev. Jeremy Stopford offering the committal prayers. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m.
Those wishing to remember Todd with a memorial contribution are asked to consider the Chenango County S. P. C. A., 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815; or the American Diabetes Assoc., 6390 Fly Road, 2nd Floor, East Syracuse, NY 13057.