| Print | Close Window | AMO Currents - Posted: August 6, 2008 |
Charles T. Crangle, AMO director of Congressional and legislative affairs: 1937-2008
Crangle, 71, was AMO’s director of Congressional and legislative affairs in the capital since 1991.
An attorney and a former member of the Seafarers International Union on the Great Lakes, Crangle was a familiar figure on Capitol Hill, where he called daily upon U.S. Senators, members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Congressional aides.
Crangle also attended and participated in legislative and regulatory hearings in both Congressional chambers, making the case for the U.S.-flagged merchant fleet and civilian American merchant mariners before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the House Armed Services Committee, the Senate Armed Services and Commerce, Science and Transportation Committees, and the House and Senate Agriculture Committees.
“Charlie Crangle knew the issues inside and out,” said AMO National President Tom Bethel. “No one was more articulate, more persuasive, more credible or more respected than Charlie Crangle in defense of the legitimate interests of seagoing labor.
“Charlie Crangle was instrumental in beating back the five-year effort to amend or repeal the Jones Act a decade ago, and he helped steer the Maritime Security Act of 1996 and reauthorization of the Maritime Security Program in 2003 through the House and the Senate,” Bethel added. “Charlie hammered home the critical need for sealift funding and for enforcement of U.S.-flagged cargo preference laws.
“Charlie Crangle was a true friend to all AMO members and their families,” Bethel continued. “We will miss him, and we will remember him always.”
Minnesota Democratic Rep. James Oberstar, chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, said he was “shocked” and “heartbroken” by news of Crangle’s passing.
“It’s as if I had lost a brother,” Rep. Oberstar said. “So alive, so vibrant — so dedicated to the cause of maritime labor.” He said Crangle would be remembered for his “good and generous heart.”
“The world is a lesser place” without Charles Crangle, said James Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers’ Association and 2nd vice president of the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force.
“Charlie was great champion of our cause on the Hill,” Weakley said. “He truly believed in marine transportation, Great Lakes issues and jobs for Americans.”
Weakley continued: “Charlie was one of the most recognized faces and effective lobbyists in D.C. His keen wit, intellect and ability to focus on core issues and build coalitions made him the spokesman and statesman for Great Lakes shipping and American mariners.
“Charlie was a grandfather, father, brother, public servant, teacher, union member, attorney, lobbyist, mentor and friend. He could be counted on when you needed help or advice and was always willing to give you his best. We are all better people for having known him. He will be missed.”
Jim Patti, executive director of the Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development, said no one in the Capital was “more interesting and enjoyable” than Charlie Crangle. “No one fought harder and with more conviction for what is right than Charlie,” Patti added. “In the best sense, he was truly one of a kind.”
Before joining the AMO Washington staff, Crangle served for four years as counsel to the Congressional Maritime Caucus under the now-deceased Rep. Walter B. Jones (D-NC), chairman of the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee.
Crangle earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Akron University School of Law in Akron, Ohio, in 1973.
He had earned a Master of Arts degree from the university’s College of Education in 1970 and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the university’s College of Liberal Arts in 1968.
Crangle taught at Central High School in Akron for two years before being named industrial and community development director of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He also served as city prosecutor in Cuyahoga Falls.
In 1980, Crangle opened a law practice in Akron. Four years later, he was named director of public safety and personnel director of the city of Barberton, Ohio.
Crangle is survived by three siblings, Tom, Marikay and Mike; his daughters, Patty Duncan, Susan Faretta and Ann Rossi; by his sons, Tom and Daniel, his daughter-in-law, Angela; his 10 grandchildren, Jeremy, Sam, Joe, Mattie, Samantha, Sarah, Jacob, Ana, Jonah and Eann; and his two great-grandchildren, Audrey and Grace.
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