Mitchell Bryant Cramer

Mitchell Bryant Cramer of Mount Laurel NJ passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at Royal Suites Healthcare, Galloway, NJ, following an extended illness. He died peacefully of natural causes at the age of 88.

A dedicated educator, “Mitch” was born November 5, 1933, in Philadelphia, PA, as the son of the late Frederic Morris and Esther Ella (Perkins) Cramer. As a child, he changed homes frequently while his father served in the US Army. The majority of his youth was spent in Delanco and Ship Bottom. He resided in Mount Laurel for the last 65 years.

He graduated from Palmyra High School in 1951, and continued his life-long passion of learning by attending night school to obtain his BS of Education from University of Pennsylvania in 1965, and his Master of Education from Trenton State College in 1974.

Upon graduating high school, he served in the Navy for three years, mostly stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he served primarily as an Aerographer’s Mate, and briefly as Base Police.

Following his military service, he was employed as a carpenter's apprentice. After that he began his life-long career as an educator, first working as a special education teacher at the Woods School for Exceptional Children (Langhorne), before serving as an industrial arts (wood shop) teacher at Delran Middle School for 12 years, and later moving into the position of guidance counselor at that school for 15 years. Upon his retirement from the school system in 1992 he enjoyed a more relaxing job at J & J Hardware.

Mitchell had an affinity for sharing the interests of others. When combined with his own interests, the result was a great variety of hobbies and side jobs.

His favorite hobby was working with the Boy Scouts of America, a passion that he enjoyed for over 73 years. During his scouting career he held many positions, including Camp Director, Cub Master, Scout Master, Commissioner, Merit Badge Counselor, and Eagle Advancement Chair. His awards and achievements include Wood Badge, Order of the Arrow Vigil, Lutheran Lamb Award, District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver. He attended numerous summer camps in several states, many Jamborees (both local and national), led two high-adventure treks through the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and assisted dozens of boys in attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. His most recent positions included the involvement with Mount Laurel’s Troop 15 and Hainesport’s Troop 5.

He was a longtime parishioner of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hainesport, where he enjoyed participating in the weekly Men’s Prayer Breakfast and Bible study classes. Mitch was also an active member of the Mount Laurel Historical Society.

His demeanor, affinity for helping children, and physical appearance made him a natural in his late-in-life role of Santa Claus, which he enjoyed in public and private venues for over two decades.

His many other hobbies included sailing, woodworking, genealogy, gardening, astronomy, wine making, and crossword puzzles.

He will be remembered for his storytelling ability. His richly varied life experiences provided wondrous tales of adventure, learning, humor, and solemnity that were a treat that will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Mitchell is predeceased by his wife Patsy Rose Mahoney. The two met during their adolescence, were married in 1955, and were life-long best friends, sharing 61 years of marriage. He is survived by his three children: Scott Thomas (Denyse Vincent), Mays Landing, NJ; James Frederic (Jennifer Hoch), Newville, PA; and Colleen Patricia Hawksby (Jan Mayer), Ship Bottom, NJ. He is also survived by four grandchildren (Robert, Jacob, Timothy, Samantha) and five great-grandchildren (Brooke, James, William, Bennett, Carsyn), and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his younger sister Charlotte Yvonne Broadhead of Anchorage, AK.

Final arrangements are under the direction of Boakes Funeral Home, Mays Landing, NJ. His ashes will be placed in the Memorial Garden of St Paul’s Church in a private family ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the “New Blessings Fund” ? St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 910 Marne Hwy, Hainesport, NJ 08036, or to Garden State Council BSA, 693 Rancocas Mt Holly Rd, Westampton, NJ 08060. Info. & Condolences at www.boakesfuneralhome.com