John W. Craven

John W. Craven, 92 of West Grove, PA and formerly of Wilmington, DE, passed away at his residence at Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community, on Monday, August 14, 2017.

John was born in Wilmington, DE, son of the late William E. and Margaret (McDade) Craven and raised in the Breck’s Mill – Henry Clay Village area. He was a graduate of Archmere Academy and served honorably in WWII with the US Marine Corps, witnessing the surrender of the Japanese forces in China in August of 1945. John went on to enjoy a 35-plus year career as a chemical research technician with the DuPont Company. 

John was a member of the Delaware Jaycees and Delaware Mineralogical Society but above all else was a loving and devoted husband and father. He was a mainstay at his children’s swim meets and other activities growing up. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time at the beach in Corolla, NC.  He enjoyed a good laugh and a good meal.  He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Virginia (Howell) Craven; his children, Martha Craven and John W. Craven, Jr. (Lyn); and his brother, Bill Craven.

In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his sisters, Margarita Schofield, Florence Swartling, and Elizabeth Schofield; and his son-in-law, Frank Martorana.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Monday, August 28, 2017 at Holy Family Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE 19713, where family and friends may visit beginning at 10:00am. Interment will follow in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory can be made to Archmere Academy, 3600 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703.

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