GLOUCESTER: Lawrence E. Craaybeek, 82, died Sunday, February 8, 2015, at the Beverly Hospital. He was the husband of Nancy L. (Miller)Marchant Craaybeek.
Born in Gloucester on January 28, 1932, he was the son of the late Jacob and Mary (Alves) Craaybeek. A lifelong resident, he was a graduate of the Gloucester High School class of 1950. He was well-known at the Gloucester YMCA as a weight-lifter and for walking on his hands.
A U.S. Navy veteran, he was very proud to have served aboard the USS Noble during the Korea War from March of 1951 to February of 1955.
After his return home, he joined the Gloucester Post Office, where he remained for thirty-five years until his retirement in 1992. He was known for his extraordinary memory of his former patrons.
Larry was a member of The Tyrian-Ashler-Acacia Lodge, A.F. & A.M. for 57 years and was a longtime member of the Edward Peterson, Post #98, American Legion of Rockport.
He loved his cottage in New Hampshire, trips to Nova Scotia, crossword puzzles and his daily card game with Nancy. He especially enjoyed spending time with his group of great friends daily at McDonalds. Larry was a warm hearted and very caring person, who was loved by many. He will be greatly missed.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son-in-law, Anthony Marino, three granddaughters, Bethany Marino, Lindsay, wife of Gavin Wood, and Alyssa Marino; five stepchildren, including John Marchant, who was very special to him; several step-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and among many dear friends, Brian Torkildsen. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Shirley (Witham) Craaybeek, his daughter, Cheryl Marino, his sister, Elizabeth Crenshaw and a brother, Bruce Craaybeek.
Funeral services will be held privately. For those who wish, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial & Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905, the Shriner’s Hospital, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114 or the Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930. Arrangements are under the direction of the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester. For further information and online condolences, please visit www.grondinfuneralservices.com.