Robert Q. Crane, at 91, former state treasurer
Longtime state Treasurer Robert Q. Crane, who oversaw the launch of the Massachusetts State Lottery, died yesterday at the age of 91.
Crane, a Marine veteran of World War II, launched his political career as a state representative for Brighton in 1956. He was elected state treasurer by the state Legislature in 1964, when John T. Driscoll resigned to head the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.
He led the treasurer’s office until 1991.
Current Treasurer Deborah Goldberg said her office was “saddened” to learn of Crane’s passing.
“We honor his dedication to public service, and his countless contributions to the Treasurer’s office and the people of the Commonwealth, whom he loved,” Goldberg said.
Crane led the state’s first Lottery Commission, and “because of his foresight, it became the most successful in the country,” she said.
Crane was born in Providence in 1926. He went to English High School in Boston and attended Boston College, studying economics and accounting, after he returned from the war.
He counted Bruins great Bobby Orr as one of his many friends, along with Secretary of State William Galvin and the late Boston Mayor Kevin H. White.
Former Boston Mayor Raymond L. Flynn said “you could always count on Bob Crane.” He would bring by his singing group — the Treasury Notes — for Catholic Youth Organization events to help raise money.
“He didn’t charge you anything,” Flynn said last night. “You wouldn’t get any political speeches from him, he just loved to sing. He loved Irish songs.”
Flynn said Crane’s sister, a nun in the city, had been his teacher and Bob would often come by.
“I got to know him very early,” Flynn added. “He made my day delightful.”
Visiting hours for Crane are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday at George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home in Wellesley.