Glen R. Crane
Glen R. Crane, 84, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge. Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, he spent most of his life in Westfield before moving to Fellowship Village in later years.
Glen was a graduate of Westfield High School. He attended Colby College in Maine for several years and ultimately earned his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University. Glen went on to receive his master’s degree and Ph.D. in Physics from New York University. He enjoyed a distinguished career as a Research Physicist with Bell Laboratories, where he worked for many years. Glen was also an Adjunct Professor of Physics at Kean University.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Glen found great joy in music, community, and service. He was deeply involved with the Westfield Community Players, serving as a sound operator for countless productions there. Glen was also a member of Willow Grove Presbyterian Church in Scotch Plains and served as of Clerk of Session there.
After reconnecting with his childhood friend, Drude, Glen became a devoted member of Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church in Plainfield. Glen served faithfully as an elder and was a beloved member of the choir, sharing his rich, bass-baritone voice in worship for decades. One of his biggest contributions was as Vice President and Webmaster of Crescent Concerts there. Music and faith were central to his life, and both reflected his generous spirit and steady presence.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Drude S. Crane; his three children, G. Robert Crane, Susan J. Carlson (Robert), and Jennifer B. Hahn (Karl); five grandchildren ,Alexis Bugden (Drew), Kara Conant (Aidan), and Matthew Hahn (Emily) and David and Aidan Carlson; and four greatgrandchildren, Gabriel and Jackson Bugden and Luca and Camilo Conant. He is also survived by Drude’s loving family, who became an important and cherished part of his life.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 25, at 11 a.m. at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, Plainfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in Glen’s memory may be made to the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church (CAPC) Music Reserve Fund, 716 Watchung Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07060. Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home, Fanwood.
