UConn is mourning the passing of Jack Crane, who for more than two decades served on the UConn Institute of Materials Science (IMS) External Advisory Board. He was 92 when he died on Sept. 22.
Jack had a profound influence on UConn and served as a friend, mentor and expert in many different areas. He was a tireless advocate for Connecticut’s manufacturing community and a true friend to UConn — someone who instinctively brought people together for the benefit of everyone.
“Jack has been a great friend since I stepped foot onto the Storrs campus and I will miss him very much,” says Pamir Alpay, UConn’s vice president for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Colleagues and friends have echoed that sentiment since news of Jack’s passing, as researchers, faculty, alumni, and industry partners remember a colleague whose warmth and generosity matched his formidable expertise.
A Life in Materials and Manufacturing
Jack’s path into materials science began with a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University, followed by a master’s degree in metallurgical engineering and materials science from Yale University. He then joined Olin Corporation, where he rose to research and development director for new process and product development.
Over a distinguished 30-year career at Olin, Jack worked at the intersection of manufacturing, marketing, licensing, and joint ventures, developing and commercializing new products for both domestic and international markets. His work was as much about building relationships as it was about building products — cultivating the special customer partnerships that help innovations make a real-world impact.
A Champion for Connecticut Industry
After retiring from Olin, Jack redirected his energy toward strengthening the state’s industrial ecosystem. In 1995, he joined CONNSTEP, the Connecticut-based manufacturing consulting organization, as Director of Growth Services. There, he supported the expansion of technology-based companies while offering guidance to small businesses striving to scale. In every role, he sought to open doors — connecting people, ideas, and opportunities.
“Jack was the first person who introduced me to the metal industries in Connecticut after I arrived at UConn. I will always remember his vast knowledge of companies and metals aspects, all shared with his warm embrace of (UConn) academia,” recalls Rainer Hebert, IMS associate director.
A Trusted Partner to UConn and IMS
Jack’s impact at UConn was personal and profound. He believed deeply in the power of university–industry collaboration and invested his time helping faculty and students translate research into practice.
“I remember meeting Jack when I first started here, and I remember how strongly he championed faculty engagement with industry. He played an essential role in helping many of us in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) build valuable connections. He will be greatly missed,” says Avinash Dongare, interim department head, MSE.
As an IMS External Advisory Board member, Jack was a sounding board, bridge-builder, and mentor—someone who not only offered guidance but also rolled up his sleeves to make introductions, organize conversations, and accelerate collaborations.
“Jack was a staunch supporter of UConn and IMS, our students, researchers and industry partners. We will miss him dearly,” adds Steven L. Suib, director of UConn IMS.
A Legacy of Connection, Service, and Heart
Jack’s professional achievements were matched by his character. He led with humility, listened carefully, and found joy in the success of others. He made complex problems feel solvable—often by bringing the right people into the room.
“Jack always thought of UConn as his home. He loved the work but most of all he loved the people,” says Barbara Fernandez, director of service strategy for CONNSTEP.
Those who worked with Jack will remember his deep knowledge of materials and manufacturing, his generosity with time and introductions, and his quiet confidence that research and industry — working together — can strengthen communities and transform lives. He gave so much to Connecticut’s manufacturing landscape, to UConn, and to IMS, and he did so with optimism and grace.
Jack is survived by family, friends, and colleagues. As we celebrate Jack Crane’s life, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. UConn will honor his legacy through the companies he helped grow, the students and faculty he mentored, and the enduring partnerships he forged between UConn and Connecticut industry.
