Obituary of Richard Crater

Richard V. Crater, 77, of Roselle, passed away peacefully on the morning of April 8th, with his family by his side. Richard was born to the late Marjorie (Aten) and Thomas E. Crater on January 20, 1931, in Hampton, New Jersey. He completed his undergraduate studies at Tulane University of Louisiana, and maintained a life-long reverence for the classical arts. Following his graduation from Tulane, he went on to serve proudly in the United States Air Force as 1st Lieutenant during the Korean War, then attended the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was awarded Masters degrees in Political Science and Economics. From Scotland, Richard returned to the United States to begin a career in banking. Shortly thereafter, in 1962, he joined The First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth as organist and choir director, where he maintained his post for 46 years. In 1974, after twelve years with the Irving Trust Company, he and Jacqueline began a new venture with Humes Music Store, which will remain his legacy to the countless musicians who, along with his family, friends, and neighbors, mourn his passing. Survivors: Richard leaves Jacqueline, his wife of 45 years, in the company of their daughters; Maxine, Sarah, Priscilla, and Anne Crater Zimmerman; their sons-in-law, J. Zimmerman and Joseph Waters; his favorite sister, Carlotta Steinhardt of Belvidere; his brother, Warren H. Crater of Monroe Township; grandchildren, Brandon, Cynthia, Gabrielle, Alexandra, and Valerie; and a wealth of family, friends, and good neighbors. Services: A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at The First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth, 42 Broad St., Elizabeth, New Jersey. Arrangements have been entrusted to DeVoe Funeral Services, Inc., 136 W. Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882. Online condolences may be expressed at www.devoefuneral.com. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth, 42 Broad Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07201. Tributes: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: Jonathan Schneider Richard was a talented musician,a helpful business man and a loving friend. I shall miss my conversations with him at the music store where we exchanged "musician stories" and laughed heartily and often. May God bless His devoted servant and his family.I will remember Richard always with joy and fondness. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: Michael A. Gill I never met Mr. Crater but I have been a firend with his daughter, Ann, for many years. Ann is a wonderful person, so I must assume that her Father was very special. My thoughts are with Ann and the rest of the family at this time. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------