LOWELL—Joseph C. Craven, 74 years old, Korean Conflict Veteran died Wednesday, June 27th at his home. He was the husband of Ann E. (McMahon) Craven, who survives him.
He was born in Lowell, on February 18, 1933, a son of the late Francis J. and Agnes (McKennedy) Craven. Joseph was a graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1951. He served in the United States Army from March of 1953 until January of 1955. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal after serving 16 months in Korea with the 2nd United States Infantry Division. Joseph graduated from Massachusetts Radio School in 1958. He was employed by the Raytheon Corporation, in Andover, as an Electronic Technician for 36 years, retiring in 1995.
An avid runner, he completed the Boston Marathon five times from 1986 through 1990. Joseph was a life member of the Lowell Lodge of Elks, #87, the Poor Clare Guild, and the Oblate Mission Club.
Surviving him besides his wife are three daughters and two sons-in-law: Kelly A. and Matthew G. Sargent, of Westford; Kerry J. Craven, Esquire, of Lowell; Maureen E. and Robert McSheehy, Jr., of Derry, NH; a son and daughter-in-law: Joseph F. and Robin L. (Hanson) Craven, of Lowell; grandchildren: Emily A. and Kathryn J. McSheehy, of Derry, NH; and Maddison E. and Rylie M. Craven, of Lowe; step-granddaughters: Kara H. and Andrea B. McSheehy, of Derry, NH. He is also survived by his brothers and a sister-in-law: James O. Craven; and Gerald and Pauline Craven; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Janet McMahon, James and Mary Ann McMahon, Bernard and Patricia McMahon, Maura McMahon, and Sally McMahon; as well as many nieces and nephews, including Kelly D. MacDonald, who was his ‘own special nurse.’
He was the brother of the late Francis, John and George Craven, and brother-in-law of the late Leo, Martin, Richard and Francis McMahon.
Friends may call from 3 to 7 PM on Sunday, July 1st at the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 187 Nesmith Street, (Rte. 38), Lowell. His Funeral Mass to be offered on Monday, July 2nd at 11 AM at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, Lowell. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to either the Saints Medical Center Foundation; ATTN: Cancer Center; P.O. Box 367; Lowell, MA 01853-9938 or the Immaculate Conception Building Fund; 3 Fayette Street; Lowell, MA 01852.