MELROSE — Robert Allen Craven, 83, of Melrose, and formerly a long-time resident of Malden, passed away on Monday, March 2, in the Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston.
Born in Melrose on May 15, 1931, he was the son of the late Michael T. and Ruth E. Craven. Bob was raised and educated in Malden and attended Malden Catholic High School.
On July 8, 1952, Bob enlisted into the U.S. Army to help fight for our country during the Korean War. He served in Germany and was honorably discharged On June 11, 1954 as a Corporal and also was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
Upon returning home, Bob married the love of his life, Irene C., in St. Joseph’s Church on June 1, 1957. The couple settled in Malden to raise and care for their growing family. Bob joined the Malden Fire Department on December 28, 1958. He served proudly on the department and retired as a Captain after 34 and half years of dedicated service on August 1, 1993.
An avid sports fan and supporter of all our Boston teams, Bob also loved to bowl and play golf. He enjoyed time spent on cruises and traveled the world over with his wife and family. Some of his favorite destinations were Ireland and Scotland. He also loved the occasional casino trip.
Bob was an active member of the Malden Moose Lodge and the Malden Firefighter’s Relief Association as well as the St. Joseph’s Men’s Club.
In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his children Michael Craven and his wife, Gloria, of Medford, Stephen Craven and his wife, Donna of Peabody, and Denise Leonard of Malden; his grandchildren J.M., Daniel, Jessica, and Sean Craven and Nicole Reynolds; and his siblings Carol Mayr of Saugus, Richard Craven of Malden and Francis Craven of Malden, as well as many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his son-in-law Gregory Leonard, and his brothers Donald and Kenneth Craven.
Funeral was from the Weir-MacCuish Golden Rule Funeral Home, 144 Salem St., Malden, on Saturday, March 7, at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph’s Church, 770 Salem St., Malden at 10 a.m. Interment took place in the Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden.
Contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to either: Malden Firefighter’s Relief Association, 1 Sprague St. Malden, MA 02148 or St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. Joseph’s Church, 770 Salem St., Malden, MA 02148.
