LATE MR JOHN JOE CRAVEN

The death took place on December 21st at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, of one of the most senior citizens in the parish of St. John's. Mr John Joe Craven of St. John's, Lecarrow and formerly of Corrigeen, who passed away peacefully in the loving care of his family, doctors, nurses and staff of the hospital after a short illness. He was in his 91st year, born in March 1922 and was the second eldest of a family of five boys and two girls, born to the late Edward and Margaret Craven, Corrigeen, in the parish of St. John's (nee Naughton, Dysart). He was a member of a very well known farming family and was the last surviving member of the family. During his life he worked for a considerable number of years in the local Lecarrow quarry, where he was regarded as a very hard worker, dedicated and punctual at all times. He was also a part time farmer. He had a deep interest in all sport especially gaelic football, having played football in his youth during the 1940's and early 50's with the local St. John's teams, in fact he features in the St.
Dominic's history book "Passion For Play" and he was also a member of the Lecarrow Tug Of War Team and participated in many events, he was also involved with teams in Athlone.
He was very supportive of his parents and as they became advanced in age he and his wife Maureen moved back to Corrigeen to take care of them. John Joe and his wife raised a family of four boys and three girls, but sadly Maureen passed away in 1996. To help him bear his great loss his family was very supportive to him and he liked nothing better than visiting them and his grandchildren. He made many trips to his daughter and her family in England, where he spent many happy Christmas times, all of this was a great source of comfort to him. In more recent years he came back to live out his life in St. John's adjacent to his son J. J and wife Bernadette, who took care of all his needs. During his time he supported many church and community activities, he was a very sociable and approachable person, caring father, grandfather. He is now sadly missed by his sons, Michael, Knockcroghery, Eamon, Baylough; J. J, St. John's; Peter, Corrigeen; daughters, Mrs Peggy Mulhern, Athleague; Mrs. Rose Mary Ward, England and Mrs Eleanor Kelly, Brideswell, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, 29 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends.
His remains were removed to St. John's Church, Lecarrow on Saturday 22nd and following Mass of the Resurrection on Sunday, he was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. The chief celebrant of the Mass was very Rev. Ray Milton PP St. John's, Rahara and Knockcroghery. May he rest in peace.

Courtesy of The Roscommon Herald. Tweet

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