Anthony J. Crain

Anthony J. Crain, 92, of Oswego, passed away on May 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Syracuse, he was the son of the late Louis and Rose (Sanfalippo) Crain.

A proud veteran, Anthony served in the US Navy aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63), and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the China Service Medal.

While in the service, Anthony met the love of his life, Kirsten (Saeterdal) Crain in Norway and so began their beautiful love story.  His greatest source of joy has always been his family.  Always, he inspired a positive outlook on life in his children and grandchildren.

Anthony attended SUNY Potsdam where he earned his BA, he then earned his Master’s at the Eastman School of Music, and he earned his Doctorate in Musical Arts in Piano at The Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.

A talented musician, Anthony built a successful career in Music Education and was a well respected Professor of Music at SUNY Oswego.  He was an accomplished pianist who loved to play piano and share his love of music with others.  The relationships he built with his students were a great source of satisfaction enduring to this day.

Anthony is survived by his loving children Colleen Kires (Theodore) and Steven Crain (Claudia Maritza), his grandchildren Stephen Kires and Kirsten Kires, and his sister-in-law Susan  Crain.

In addition to his parents, Anthony was preceded in death by his wife Kirsten in 2016, as well as his siblings Raymond Crain and Sybil Groemminger and brother-in-law Bill Groemminger.