Arnold J. Cranston

Arnold J. Cranston, "Poppy", 87, of Longport, NJ passed away peacefully at his home on September 19, 2024. He endured many years of highly advanced cancer treatment, to the astonishment of his amazing doctors at Penn.

Arnold was the son of the late Elizabeth D'Lesi, born April 22, 1937 in Philadelphia. After serving in the army, he studied engineering at Drexel University. He was employed with Alco Standard as a sales executive where he sold institutional and medical furniture.

Poppy adored his family, his yorkies, the beach, tennis, and later in life, riding his rusty old Schwinn bike through Longport, NJ. He was an avid fan of all the Philadelphia sports teams: mainly the Flyers, Phillies, and Eagles, and a man of faith, participating in parishes wherever he lived: St. Rita's in South Philadelphia, Visitation BVM in Trooper, Pa, and Epiphany in Longport, NJ.

A warm, kind, gentle man with a sharp wit, Arnold was loved by all he met. Our hearts are broken.

Beloved husband of Norma R (Serra); loving father to Donna (John) Goetz and Stefani (Martin) Hoffner; cherished grandfather to Christopher, Alexandra, Mia, John, and Gweneth. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and more.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation Wednesday, September 25, 2024 9am at St. Rita of Cascia Church, Broad and Ellsworth Sts. Philadelphia, PA 19147, and to his funeral mass 10am in the church. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider contributions to the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia in South Philadelphia.