Joseph "Joe" Craven, 57, Lifelong Woburn Resident

Obituary courtesy of Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home

WOBURN, MA—Joseph "Joe" Craven passed away at his home with his beloved sister at his side. The loving son of the late Robert and Joanne (Hurley) Craven, he was 57 years old.

Born in Winchester, he has been a life long resident of Woburn. Raised in the West side of the city, Joe had attended Woburn Schools, graduating with the Class of 1976. A very bright and articulate young man Joe had many choices of colleges after high school but decided to follow his true passion for music. From the time he was a child to the day he died he forever had music in his soul.

The lead vocalist and bass player he established three bands between the years of 1981 and 2005. The first was Freeway from 1981-'87, Reaction from '94-98 and the Knuckle Draggers from '98-2005.

When they first started out they played for the hometown crowd at Flag Day, held at Library Park each year. They had continued to play there over a good number of years enjoying each and every performance. Over the years the band had found that Joe's "Chevy Van" was so accommodating that it became their traveling vehicle. Everywhere they went from the "Northeast Corridor", to Library Field, Franconia Notch, Vermont or Rhode Island. They could change up their clothing for different performances and when raining, sleep inside! Otherwise sleeping out under the big night skies. being the outdoorsmen they were.

Joe was a dedicated Patriots fan, having held season tickets over the years. A true Patriot, Joe was there for the "not so good" seasons all the way through to the victorious ones! Enjoying all the ups and downs of the seasons, Joe became a "masterful chef" at the the fine art of tailgating! Each week a wonderful menu was prepared and Joe's culinary skills were put to the test on the day of the game. Always quite successful!

When it came to fishing, Joe was always ready! Lake, river, ocean or pond, Joe was always prepared for a great day. The water, fishing pole, bait and chair provided Joe with a wonderfully relaxing afternoon with or without a bite!

Over the last several years Joe has had some pretty tough medical issues, but never ever did he loose faith or hope. He was an extremely religious man who lived every day to the fullest and was never afraid to express and sing of God's praises.

Joe surrounded himself with his sister and dear friends whom he has met through his love of music. They provided unending love and care, assisting Joe cope with the adverse affliction and hardship of diabetes. Friends were there every day for Joe, making sure he was ok with food, life, love, happiness and most importantly music, right up to the end.

Joe was sadly predeceased by his parents Bob and Joanne Craven. He is lovingly survived by his dear sister Ann Laura Craven and her husband Peter Halley of NYC, NY. Joe was also survived by his many dear friends. . A Funeral will be held from the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn on Thursday, July 7th at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Barbara's Church, 138 Cambridge Road, Woburn at 11:30. Interment in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday 3-8 p.m. Remembrances may be made in Joe's memory to St. Barbara's Church, 138 Cambridge Road, Woburn, MA, 01801