Charles W. Cramer

Charles (Chuck) William Cramer died peacefully on Dec. 3, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz., following a brief illness. He was 87. Born in Camp Hill, Ala., to Lawrence and Frances Cramer, Chuck grew up in Fort Ann, N.Y., with his brothers, Robert and Donald Cramer, and his sisters, Virginia and Phyllis Cramer. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Chuck served his country in the Pacific Theater aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise CV-6, the most decorated ship of the Second World War. Following the war, he returned to the Washington County area and married Shirley Ann Roberts of Granville. The couple moved to New York City, where Chuck studied to become a master watchmaker and engraver. Following his graduation, Chuck and Shirley moved back to Granville, where he helped his father-in-law, Lester E. Roberts, operate a jewelry story on Main Street. After their children Gary and Cindy were born, the couple relocated again, this time to San Diego, Calif., where Chuck worked for well-known jeweler J. Jessop & Sons, later becoming manager of one of the business' fine-jewelry departments. Returning to Granville in 1961, Chuck purchased L E Roberts Jewelers from his father-in-law and began a long and illustrious career of designing and creating fine jewelry for customers throughout the region, including Vermont. He was a long-time member and past president of the Vermont Retail Association. He built not only a successful business, but also strong relationships and a rapport with his many customers. Chuck quickly created an unsurpassed reputation for providing special attention to detail and the individual needs of each customer. During this time, Chuck trained for and became a Rolex technician and was awarded a Rolex franchise. He also studied for and became a registered jeweler and gemologist with the American Gem Society, establishing L E Roberts as a certified AGS jeweler, joining a select group of businesses dedicated to professionalism and knowledge. In 1964, Chuck built a vacation home on nearby Lake St. Catherine in Wells, Vt., where he and Shirley spent summers swimming, sailing and enjoying gatherings of family and friends. Following his retirement in 1985, Chuck and Shirley bought a "snowbird" home in Tucson, returning to Granville and Lake St. Catherine each spring. After Shirley passed away in 1998, Chuck renewed his love of aviation, becoming a vital member of two radio-controlled glider clubs -- Sonoran Desert Flyers of Tucson and Rutland County RC Flyers of Fair Haven, Vt. He went on to obtain a glider-pilot license at the age of 70. As a respected pilot and member of the Tucson Soaring Club, Chuck earned the moniker "The Thermalator" and was instrumental in planning and developing club activities, as well as expanding membership. Throughout his life, Chuck was an avid skier, sailor, scuba diver and pilot. He also nurtured his lifelong passions for music, painting and photography. He was also an active member of the American Legion. Chuck was predeceased by his wife Shirley, his brothers Robert and Donald and sister Virginia. He is survived by his sister Phyllis Early; his son Gary Cramer (Margaret), his daughter Cindy Kuhne (Hans), both of whom also became accomplished jewelers; grandchildren Jennifer Sakchalathorn, Katie Ruscheinski, Emily Cramer, Charles Cramer and Rayleen Carangio; and great grandchildren Jack Ruscheinski, Luke Ruscheinski and Henri Sakchalathorn. A memorial service and celebration of Chuck's life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at Bring's Funeral Home, 6910 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, Ariz. Chuck will be laid to rest with his wife Shirley this spring in Granville. A memorial service in Granville will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.