REGINALD NORMAN CRAGIN

93, of Aqueduct Road, Cranston, died on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at RI Hospital, Providence. Born in Claremont, NH, a son of the late Thomas M. and Bessie (Gober) Cragin, he lived in Cranston since 1950. Mr. Cragin was a registered, professional engineer. He was a member of A.I.E.E., The Providence Engineering Society, G.E. Schenectady Engineers Club, G.E. Quarter Century Club, The ELFUN Society, and RI Watchmakers Association. He also served as a Lieutenant with the Cranston Emergency Police and was Captain with the Cranston Crime Watch Association. Mr. Cragin was an alumnus of Stevens High School, Class of 1933, Claremont, NH. He received his 60-year medal from Hiram Lodge #9 F&AM, Claremont,NH. He was also a 32nd Degree in Scottish Rite; a member of Palestine Shrine and its Legion of Honor; and a member of Gaspee Order #99, Sword of Bunker Hill. Mr. Cragin was honorably discharged from Headquarters Detachment Combat Train 197th Coast Artillery (Anti-Aircraft) National Guard of the United States and the State of New Hampshire. During WWII, Mr. Cragin was a field engineer for General Electric on all aircraft at 16 Army and Navy air bases in New England. Mr. Cragin was the General Electric start-up engineer on the first Electronic Press Drive in New England at The Providence Journal. Mr. Cragin was employed by General Electric for 37 A½ years, retiring in 1980 as Manager of Machine Tool Service, New England District. After retiring, he was employed part-time by RI Electric Protective Company and then by Durfee Hardware, Cranston from 1983 until 2005. He was the husband of Bella (Economou) Cragin. Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, Penelope A. Gearon of Cranston; two sons, Thomas M. Cragin II (Stella) of Cumberland and Richard R. Cragin (Maryanne) of Cranston; six grandchildren: Kathryn, Megan, Thomas, David, Richard and Laura, and several nieces and nephews. He was also the father of the late Johanna Krammes. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service, which will be held on Saturday at 10:00am at the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston. VISITING HOURS: Saturday morning 9:00-10:00am. Burial will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery, Pawtucket. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Capitol Fund, 175 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920.

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