John F. Cramp, 86, lawyer, GOP leader

John F. Cramp, 86, a Media lawyer active in Republican politics, died of heart failure April 25 at Naples Community Hospital in Naples, Fla., where he had lived since the mid-1990s.

In 1957, when Mr. Cramp was 34, he was elected chairman of the executive committee of the Republican Party in Delaware County. He had been founding president of the Young Republican Club of Springfield and in 1956 chaired the county's committee to reelect President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Mr. Cramp stepped down as party chief in 1960 but remained involved in politics for the rest of his life, his son John Jr. said. He was a delegate to Republican state and national conventions and a coordinator for the gubernatorial campaign of William Scranton in 1962.

He often preferred to be a behind-the-scenes adviser and hosted prominent politicians, including Sen. Hugh Scott (R., Pa.), in his home, his son said.

Mr. Cramp began his legal career with Hodge, Hodge & Cramp in Chester in 1950. He later formed the Media law firm Cramp & D'Iorio, which eventually became Beatty, Cramp, Kauffman & Lincke. In 1957, an Inquirer article said Mr. Cramp was "considered one of the county's outstanding civil trial attorneys."

In 1968, Mr. Cramp represented Red Arrow Transportation Co. when SEPTA purchased it.

Mr. Cramp served on the boards of several institutions and chaired the boards of Chester Hospital, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, the Crozer Keystone Health System, the Williamson Trade School, and Elwyn Institute, which provides care and education for children and adults with special challenges.

Mr. Cramp grew up in Delaware County. He graduated from Pennsylvania Military College, now Widener University, where he was a star football player and captain of the Corps of Cadets, his son said. During World War II, he served in the Army in the Pacific. Later, he served with the National Guard for seven years.

A talented baritone, Mr. Cramp considered studying voice at the Juilliard School, his son said. Instead, he attended Dickinson Law School, where he was editor of the Law Review.

In the 1950s and 1960s, he performed in productions at the Hedgerow Theatre in Rose Valley.

Mr. Cramp enjoyed traveling, boating, and fishing, and he maintained a winter home in the Florida Keys for many years. He was a longtime resident of Media before moving to Malvern in the 1980s.

In addition to John Jr., he is survived by his wife of 35 years, Gloria M.; sons David, Andrew, and Daniel; stepchildren Kim Corcoran, Kay Ward, and Kyle Ruffino; several grandchildren; and his former wife, Suzanne Case.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. June 4 at Elwyn Institute, 111 Elwyn Rd., Elwyn, Pa. 19063.

Donations may be made to the Elwyn Inc. general fund.