SPRINGBORO, Pa. — Benjamin Matthew Cran, age 30, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at his home.
He was born June 18, 1982, in Cleveland, the son of William and Paula (Plechaty) Cran. After graduating from Rocky River High School, he attended Key West Community College and earned two degrees, Marine Engineering and Marine Technology.
On graduation day, he proposed to the love of his life, Heather Hayden, at the Key West Hard Rock Cafe and they were married July 7, 2007.
For the past four years, he worked as a cook at Applebee’s in Ashtabula and previously as a general manager at Max and Erma’s and the Winking Lizard in Cleveland.
Ben was extremely loving and energetic and had a heart of gold. As a foster parent who later adopted his foster children, he always wanted a better life for his kids and worked hard to be a good role model for them. Knowing he was not perfect, he was also never afraid to say he was sorry. He loved fishing, the Florida Keys, video games and playing Magic Cards. Working on “Big Bertha”, the historical boat docked in the Conneaut harbor with his father was also something he loved to do.
His survivors include his wife, Heather Cran of Springboro, Pa.; three children, Alexander Benjamin Cran, Vladimir Paul Cran and Tyler Matthew Cran; his parents, William and Paula Cran of Cleveland; his grandfather, Ben (Erin) Plechaty; one brother, Todd (Jessa) Cran of Lakewood; two sisters, Maggie Cran of Lakewood and Jennifer Repic of North Ridgeville; and many other cousins, family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Dorothy Plechaty aka “Gagee”.
Calling Hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 4 p.m., on Sunday, March 17th, at ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE, 500 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula. Roger Zale, Spiritual Care Coordinator for Hospice of the Western Reserve, will officiate, but friends are encouraged to bring memories and stories to share as a part of the Service AND ALL ATTENDING ARE ENCOURAGED TO WEAR BRIGHT COLORS IN HONOR AND MEMORY OF BEN.
Contributions may be made to Children to Family Connection, 13388 Dunham Road, Meadville, Pa. 16335.
Obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com and starbeacon.com.
