We have received the sad news that Ray Gene ‘Crane Man’ Anthony, who in 1969 founded Anthony Crane Rental in Pittsburgh, has died.
He passed away at his home in Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania, yesterday – May 13th, 2025, following a tough battle with cancer, he was 86 and would have been 87 on June 20th.
Ray Anthony
Born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania in 1938, he grew up in the close knit community and went on to serve proudly in the United States Navy — an experience that, he said shaped the determination and discipline he would carry throughout his life.
A natural entrepreneur with a tireless work ethic, at the age of 30 he established Anthony Crane Rental in February 1969 and over the next 30 years or so built it into a national company which formed the basis for today’s Maxim Crane Works, the largest crane rental company in North America.
He left the company in mid-1999 shortly after it was acquired by Bain capital - becoming a key building block for Maxim Crane, and began looking for a new business and in 2000 opened the New Auto Toy Store in Pittsburgh, followed by the Aqua Toy Store in the Miami Fort Lauderdale area two years later. Along the way he also owned a motorcycle shop, a boat marina and sales business, and a gun store, with each venture reflecting his passion for connecting with people.
An Anthony Crane USA crawler
In the words of a good friend: “Ray lived life to the fullest, loved watching football, riding motorcycles, hunting, flying his planes, and most of all talking cranes. Whether in business or in leisure, he brought humour, determination, and an unmistakable authenticity to everything he did.”
“Ray’s legacy is one of generosity, perseverance, passion, and pride in his work. He will be remembered for his vibrant stories, enduring strength, and the spark that made him truly one of a kind.”
He is survived by wife, Delores- Jo - , daughters Natalie and Lori, stepdaughter Charla and stepson Spencer. Along with seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
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