NORWICH – Duward H. “Duke” Crandall, 76, of Norwich, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 8, 2007 at the Gilmour Health Care Facility.
Born September 20, 1930 in New Berlin, Duke was the son of William G. and Alice R. (King) Crandall. He graduated from New Berlin High School in 1948 and then from the Central City Business Institute, Syracuse in 1950. Duke held several jobs locally before joining NBT in 1966. During his banking career, Duke attended and graduated from Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University. He retired in 1994 as a Senior Vice President. Following his retirement, Duke established his own business, Crandalls' Accounting and Management Services, offering financial assistance to the elderly and small businesses.
Duke was a very active member of the Broad Street United Methodist Church. He had served as a District Lay Leader, a member of the Administrative Board, a Sunday school teacher and as a trustee of the Wyoming Conference. He was a past president of the Norwich Rotary Club, a member of the Greater Norwich Local Development Corporation, past president of the Chamber of Commerce, director and treasurer of the Chenango County Area Corporation and a member of the Lions Club of Albany. Duke was also a former Boy Scout, having attained the rank of Star Scout. He continued his involvement as Assistant Scoutmaster in Norwich. He enjoyed golfing at Canasawacta Country Club, where he was a member, and as a lover of old cars, Duke served on the Board of Directors of the Northeast Classic Car Museum. He was a former board member and treasurer of the Chenango County Historical Society and a member of the board of Chenango Memorial Hospital. He was a past president of the Chenango Memorial Hospital Foundation. He was also a very active board member of the Chenango Valley Home as well as serving the Follett Foundation. Duke was awarded the Chenango County Chamber's Commitment to Community Award in 1998.
On November 1, 1952, at the Broad Street United Methodist Church, Duke married Betty Lou (Rounds) Crandall who survives. He is also survived by two sons and their wives, William G. and Margaret Crandall II and children, Kelly Orr of Indianapolis and Katie Crandall of Fort Wayne, IN and Geoffrey S. and Karen Crandall and children, Elizabeth and Christina of Tilton, NH; two brothers, Stuart Crandall and his wife, Ann, of Greensboro, NC and Stanley Crandall and his wife, Edna of Melbourne, FL. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services for Duke will be held at 1:0 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, 2007 at the Broad Street United Methodist Church. Rev. Jeff Hale, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the church on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m.
Contributions in memory of Duke may be made to the Broad Street United Methodist Church or to the charity of your choice.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.