Obituary: Paul M. Cran of Branford, 69, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Paul M. Cran of Branford, died suddenly at his home on Thursday March 30, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Barbara Hentz Cran. Paul was born in New Haven on August 12, 1953, son of the late Herbert J. Cran, Jr. and Denise Paillard Cran growing up in Cheshire, CT. He worked in a variety of positions at Colonial Toyota, the most recent as Warranty Administrator, until retiring. Besides Barbara he is survived by his daughter Alexis Cran of Branford, his stepchildren, Erica Lindblad (Chris) DeJongh of Orlando, FL and Douglas (Ashley) Lindblad of Bluffton, SC; his sister Cynthia Cran (John) Richards of South Yarmouth, MA, and many nieces, nephews and so many wonderful friends.

Paul was not a guy to sit around, he was always keeping busy, whether at home or someone else’s house. He would be filling bird feeders, stoking the fire, working on the lawn, or going to the dump. He often stopped by elderly friends and family to just say hi and see if they needed anything.

He was a lover of cars, snowmobiles, jet skis anything that he could drive fast. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle on the New Hampshire back roads with his good friend, Will. His greatest love was his wife and daughter where he instilled their love of travel. He especially enjoyed his home on Lake Winnipesaukee and loved St. Thomas, and Switzerland.

Paul had many wonderful qualities, compassion, quick-witted, productive, and love. Paul was a proud family man who was loyal to his close friends and would always be there to give advice or lend a helping hand. He was always quick to make friends anywhere he went, as he had the gift to gab. When out he often wandered off to talk to someone new, with Barbara always shouting, “Where’s Paul?”. She now knows where he is and he will be greatly missed by all.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation Wednesday evening from 4:00 – 6:30, with a prayer service at 6:30 at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, 749 East Main Street, Branford, CT 06405. For directions and online memorial see www.wsclancy.com.