Obituary for Alfred Anthony Cramer

"Janet, I'm so sorry to learn of Al's passing. He was a wonderful man and such a good colleague. You must have so many wonderful stories and memories. You and your family are in my prayers."

"Al was very dear to me. Through decades, Al shepherded me through many challenges in my life, and I trusted guidance. I took great joy seeing him about town in his sports car with his scarf flying. I took comfort from his insight on so many issues. He was my priest, my counselor, my neighbor, and my friend. My heart is with Janet, and I am in awe of the love and blessing they wove into this world together."

"All my love and condolences to the Cramer family."

""











Al Cramer was a friend during his courtship and marriage with my sister, Susan Parsons Cramer Our relation resumed when he moved to Brattleboro, Vermont, some years after his divorce from Susan. In the early 2000s, after I had moved to Cambridge, we conversed from time to time on the telephone, and he often had interesting things to say and spoke warmly of Susan, although they had been divorced for some years. I was present when he officiated at the wedding of their son Jack in Chicago in 1966. For the wedding of his son David in 2006, he was present only as a father, but it was enjoyable to spend time with him once again."

"I only met Al a few times, but he was a warm presence. He presided at my grandmother's burial, a token of ongoing friendly involvement with his first wife's family, and I remember the respect with which he spoke of her work across different realms and his praise for a tradition of strong women. He will be much missed by his family, and by the many people to whom he was a pastoral presence. I will mention him tomorrow in my church's prayers. Sylvia Parsons."