CRAVEN, The HONORABLE JOHN JOSEPH, JR. 76, of West Roxbury, died from complications of Lewy Body Dementia on Tuesday, November 22, 2011. Beloved husband of 41 years of Patricia (McCarthy) Craven. Adored father of Katherine Craven Kryzanski and her husband, Dr. James Kryzanski of Chestnut Hill; John Robert Craven, Esq. and his wife, Laura Stock Craven, Esq. of West Roxbury; and his beloved special daughter, Patricia Mary Craven of West Roxbury.
Devoted “Grandfafal” to Delia Mary Kryzanski, Joseph John Kryzanski, James Henry Kryzanski, John Francis Xavier Kryzanski, Jane Elizabeth Craven and Rose Charlotte Craven, and the late Mary Erin Kryzanski. Beloved son born in Roxbury on February 27, 1935 to the late state representative John J. Craven, Sr and the late former Boston city councillor Katherine (Kane) Craven. Cherished "Brother" of Patricia Ross of Dedham,
Maureen Slade of Hyde Park, Sheila and James Middleton of Milton, Kathleen Passanisi of Quincy, Barbara Ellen and Jay Broderick of Quincy, Brendan Michael and Diana Craven of Quincy, Richard Borek, Timothy and Nina Craven of Dedham, and the late Pauline Qazilbash, Francis Xavier Craven, and Susan Borek. Beloved Uncle John to over 50 nieces and nephews, and many grandnieces and grandnephews and cousins. The "Judge" was a great friend and mentor to many.
Retired judge after 23 years of the Boston Juvenile Court, former Clerk of the Boston Municipal Court, former Boston School Committee member and Governor's Councillor, former Massachusetts Assistant Attorney General, former teacher at Boston State College and Woburn High School. Proud graduate of the Roxbury Latin School Class of 1952, Harvard College Class of 1956 and New England School of Law Class of 1962. Admitted to Massachusetts Bar in 1962. Member of the Harvard Club of Boston for over 55 years. Owned Park League baseball teams in the late 1960's. Avid booster of the Harvard University Marching Band, season ticket holder of Harvard Football and Harvard Hockey. Met 17 Governors of Massachusetts in his lifetime, receiving two gubernatorial appointments. Devoted Roman Catholic with special dedication to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Veteran, United States Army.
The Craven family welcomes friends and loved ones to celebrate his life on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, in the Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre Street, West Roxbury from 3 - 9 p.m.. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011 at 10 a.m. at St Theresa of Avila Church, West Roxbury. Burial will follow in Mt. Benedict Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress would be gratefully accepted. For directions or to share a memory on John's Legacy page, visit www.gormleyfuneral.com.