Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Philip H. Crane on his passing this past week.
Philip will be sadly missed here in the City of Somerville.
Philip H. Crane, a fixture in Somerville’s Davis Square business community for 50 years, died at his home in Naples, Florida, on February 8, 2018. He was 95 years old. Mr. Crane was the long-time owner of the Wedgwood Crane Insurance Agency (now Wedgwood Crane Connolly).
He was an active member of the local Chamber of Commerce and past president of the Kiwanis Club. Mr. Crane called himself a proud product of the1930’s depression.
Philip was one of nine children born on a farm in New Brunswick, Canada. They immigrated to Somerville, Massachusetts at a time when depressed farm prices forced many family farms out of business.
He sold newspapers door to door from the age of 10 at a time when every penny was counted and saved. He grew up to run his business and personal life on those conservative principles. Even after achieving financial success he used to say, “just because you have it doesn’t mean you should spend it.”
Philip was a member of the “greatest generation,” a World War II veteran, who served in Europe and witnessed the Nazi War Crimes trials in Nurenberg. Philip retired to Naples, Florida with his wife Marion, a former school teacher in Milton, Massachusetts. She died in 2003.
Philip is survived by his youngest sister, Marjorie Sutcliffe, and several nieces and nephews.
July 3, 1922 – February 8, 2018
Philip enjoying retirement in 2008
Philip visiting the World War II memorial in Washington DC in 2011.
Philip on his 95th birthday on July 3, 2017.
Philip sharing the celebration of his 95th birthday with nephew Chuck Ryan and his wife Donna.