Cranston, Alan Howard
LIVERPOOL - Alan Howard Cranston, 75 of Liverpool, N.Y., passed away on July 17, 2023.
Al was born very young in Brunswick on September 15, 1947, to Harold and Rose (Gressler) Cranston. He grew up on a dairy farm where he learned the meaning of hard work. After graduating from Troy High, he worked for two dairy businesses before being invited to work for Metropolitan Life Insurance. Being an insurance agent was the springboard for a lifelong sales career. Next, employed by Lehn & Fink for 26 years, Al won numerous awards and trips for his excellence and success. After corporate lay-offs in 1995, he started in a new direction as a self-employed sales rep acquiring Adirondack Provisions, which sells food and gifts. Al built many special business relationships that will continue with the baton passed to his daughter Marcy. During his sales career, Al drove about 2.5 million miles.
Al was predeceased by his parents, his son, Matthew "Matt," who died in 2001; and his stepdaughter, Vicki Tulowiecki. He is survived by three children, Alan, Leighann, and Marcy (Curt), who is Matt's twin. Al had four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two brothers, Dayton (Debbie) and Brian (Helga), and several nieces and nephews. In Al's second marriage, he gained three children and six grandchildren. Al is also survived by his beloved girlfriend, Laurine.
Al enjoyed playing competitive pool since being self-taught during high school on his pool table at home. He won many awards as well as tournaments with his teams. A sports fanatic on and off the field, Al played competitive football, basketball, softball and hockey, including softball in a senior's league until age 71.
Al adored his three cats, his pal Toby, Ginger and Bella. He was an easy-going, kind-hearted, funny, well-liked guy, loved by many and will be very missed.
Visitation will be on Friday, July 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. with a celebration of life to follow at 6 p.m. at Keegan-Osbelt-Knight Funeral Home, Inc. 900 N. Salina St., Syracuse. Al will be taken to his hometown of Averill Park, and there will be visitation at Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel, Inc., 2691 NY 43, Averill Park on Saturday, July 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A celebration of life will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Burial will be immediately following the services in the Cemetery of the Evergreens in New Lebanon.
Visit www.perrykomdat for directions and a guestbook.