Honeoye: September 15, 2016 at age 85 years. Predeceased by siblings; George, Irene, Leslie, Earl, and Helen. Survived by his wife of 66 years Lena “Jane” (Rowley) Cratsley and children; Bonnie Thayer, Bruce Cratsley, Betsy (Don) Shaw, and Brian Cratsley. Grandchildren; Raphael, Adrian, Todd, Tammy, Benjamin, Emily and 5 great-grandchildren. Also survived by his twin brother Arthur (Priscilla) Cratsley and many nieces and nephews.

The youngest of seven children, Al and his twin brother Art were born on September 14, 1931 to Walter and Carrie Cratsley at their homestead on Cratsley Hill Road in the Town of Canadice. In 1937 they moved to a farm house on West Lake Road where Al spent the rest of his childhood. As time went on he met the love of his life, Jane Rowley and they got married on June 13, 1950. Al and Jane purchased some property from Al’s dad on West Lake Road, built a house and there they raised their four children.

Al and Jane were a team – they worked together throughout their marriage. In the early years, they owned an excavation business – installing wells, driveways, septic systems and breakwalls all around the area. After injuring his back, Al moved onto roofing & siding starting Twin Home Improvement with his brother, Art. When Art left the business, Jane took over helping Al well into the 90’s. In 1965 Al continued his dad’s dream and he and Jane opened Cratsley Bait Farm, renting boats and selling live bait and tackle. They also wholesaled their bait to area retailers. When they could no longer run the business, they closed it and started selling gourmet meats door to door for Anchors Away. They would drive all around the southern tier and northern Pennsylvania using Al’s natural selling ability.

Al had several interests and belonged to several organizations. He was an avid sports fan and hated missing a game of Syracuse Orange basketball and Boston Red Sox baseball. He had a love of country music and attended every concert of his favorite artists in the area for many years. Al enjoyed fishing and hunting his whole life. He was chairman of Region 8 fish committee of NYS where he helped to write fishing regulations in the Finger Lakes some of which are still in effect today. Al was also a member of the Genesee Valley Trappers Association and held high honors for his fur trapping in his early years. Al belonged to the Richmond Fire Department & Ambulance Squad and just celebrated his 50th year as a member this past February at their banquet and he was a long standing member of the Northern Central & Western New York Firemens Associations.

Al was a hardworking, caring man with love of family & community. He will be sadly missed.

Friends may call on Thursday, September 22nd, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 8624 Main Street, Rte 20A, Honeoye, where a Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 23rd, at 11am. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richmond Fire Dept. & Ambulance, PO Box 469, Honeoye, NY 14471. To send a condolence please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com