John W. Crane

In Loving Memory of John W. Crane 

It’s with a heavy heart, I share that we lost my dad, John Crane. He was born in St. Petersburg Florida, April 29,1960, to Earl and Marie Crane. He is one of 8 children: Bruce, Carol, Michael, Bobby, Gary, James, and Brian. Father of 3 children, Erica, Jessica, & Jeremy, but coach-dad to so many. Grandfather to 8 children, Zoey, Austin, Aubree, Joseph, Hunter, Anna, Cody, and Avery.  He has returned home, to heaven, to be with his beloved wife, Donna Stahl-Crane, and daughter Erica. 

It’s often said that the measure of a man is not found in the years he lived, but in the lives he touched. By that measure, John’s life was overflowing with meaning.  He was always the first to show up to help, and to many he was the dad/coach they did not have.  

Dad was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, a coach, a businessman, and a friend. He wore all of these titles proudly and with deep devotion. Every one of us here has felt his impact in some way — through his encouragement, his laughter, his guidance, or perhaps through one of his signature stories that somehow blended humor, wisdom, and just a hint of mischief. Bada Bing Bada Boom as Dad would say.   

And then, of course, there was baseball. John didn’t just love the sport — he lived it. He played college ball for USF and then for decades showed up encouraging the next generation of USF Bulls.  Whether on the field coaching young players or in the stands cheering on his favorite team, the game was his lifelong classroom. You could always hear him a mile away, Lets go Big Dog or Squish the bug.  He believed baseball was about more than hits and runs; it was about teamwork, persistence, and integrity. His players didn’t just learn how to swing a bat — they learned how to stand tall in life, win with humility, and lose with grace.  I will always have the fondest memories on the side of the house playing catch with my dad, long weekends of travel ball tournaments, and knowing he was always there in my corner.  I can still hear him at my brother’s basketball games louder than the whole gym cheering for his son, Jeremy.    

If you were lucky enough to know John, you know he lived with purpose. He wasn’t one to seek the spotlight; he was the steady presence behind others’ success, quietly cheering on the people he believed in. He will be missed. 

We will be holding services at Holy Family Church on Saturday, March 21 @10am.  There will be more details to come for the reception afterwards.  If you have stories or memories to share, you are welcome to.  

Holy Family Catholic Church 200 78th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702