CONNSTEP Announces the Passing of Strategic Advisor and Dear Friend Jack Crane

It is with heavy hearts that CONNSTEP announces the passing of our dear friend and beloved colleague, strategic advisor, Jack Crane, who lost his courageous battle with cancer over the weekend at the age of 92.

Jack’s contributions were woven into the very identity of CONNSTEP.

As its second-ever and longest-tenured employee, Jack helped build the organization more than 30 years ago when it began as the State Extension Partnership at UConn in 1994.

“Jack was CONNSTEP,” said Beatriz Gutierrez, CONNSTEP president and CEO.

“He was always going to be here, and we will miss him terribly.”

Following a brilliant career leading new product research and development for Olin Corporation’s Metals Division for three decades, Jack dedicated the rest of his life and career to his passion for helping small businesses find the resources they needed to grow.

Former CONNSTEP president and CEO, Bonnie Del Conte, called Jack a “patient listener,” who was “intelligent, worldly, unselfish, supportive, kind, and secure.”

Through his work at CONNSTEP, Jack was personally invested in the success of everyone he connected with. His unmatched knowledge and drive for helping others succeed were evident in everything from connecting startups with investors to guiding manufacturers through product development.

“Jack would drive to the end of the world to help a small company,” said Gutierrez. “He would call me on the weekends and say, ‘This company really needs help. What can we do for them?’”

Jack authored or co-authored more than 50 industry-related papers and is the co-holder of over 30 patents related to processes, alloys, and products.

“Jack’s impact on Connecticut manufacturing is immeasurable,” said Gutierrez. “He was an institution.”

Beyond his manufacturing legacy, Jack was first and foremost a friend, mentor, and advisor to so many.

“He listened deeply, guided thoughtfully, and supported unconditionally,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima.

“He was a true unicorn—one of those once in a lifetime people who leave a lasting mark on your life.”

“In my 20 years of having the privilege of knowing him, Jack became more than a colleague,” said  CONNSTEP continuous improvement consultant, Matin Karbassioon.

“His greatest gift to me was being a friend and a mentor.”

Jack’s work earned him numerous prestigious accolades, including the first-ever National Institute of Science & Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership Lifetime Achievement Award and the UCONN Engineering Services Award. Jack was a fellow of the American Society of Materials and was the recipient of the Manufacturing Hall of Fame’s 2017 Leadership Award.

Jack held a BS from Purdue University and a master’s degree from Yale University, both in metallurgical engineering.

Education was his other true passion, and he believed that it was the key to the success of the future workforce.

Jack was particularly proud of his work as program director for the New Haven Science Fair Program, which earned him and his team the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring in 2001 for their work with underrepresented students.

He was also honored with the 1998 Elm-Ivy Award for strengthening the bonds between New Haven and Yale University, was recognized by the New Haven Public Education Fund in 2002 for his service to students, and was named the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year in 2023.

Additionally, Jack facilitated the Connecticut Metal Finishers Training Network, helping to create a 10-week basic course for metal finishers and he developed the CERT program supported by CONNSTEP, NIST, and DECD to improve the growth of technology-based businesses in Connecticut.

“Jack’s passing leaves a hole in our hearts and the entire CONNSTEP team will miss him dearly,” said Beatriz Gutierrez, CONNSTEP president and CEO.

“He was instrumental in building our diverse, 30-person team, which, until this weekend, spanned five generations. We will honor his legacy by continuing his mission to help Connecticut’s manufacturers thrive.

We offer our condolences to Jack’s family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

May his memory be a blessing.”