Stanley Restaun Craw Jr.

Stanley Restaun Craw Jr.

AGE: 98 • Spring Lake Heights

Stanley Restaun Craw Jr., of Spring Lake Heights, passed away peacefully in his home early Thursday morning, Oct. 31, 2013. He was 98 and had lived in Spring Lake since 1984. Prior to that, he had been a longtime resident of Sea Girt. He led an extraordinary life of high academic achievement and military leadership during World War II. Born and raised in East Orange, Stanley graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1937 from Wesleyan University. He attended Yale University Graduate School while working as a Professor's Assistant in the undergraduate English department. He joined the Navy in 1940 and rose to the rank of Commander.

During the war, he was the Executive Officer aboard the Destroyer USS Edison, which played a key role in the 1943 Mediterranean D-Day assaults on Salerno, Sicily, Anzio and Southern France by providing close fire support for the amphibious landings. The Edison also saw active Escort Duty in the North Atlantic guarding allied convoys from German U-boats. During his distinguished naval career of 22 years, he commanded three Destroyers: the USS Hank, the USS Ellyson and the USS McKean. He attended the Naval War College in 1950, and later was appointed Acting Chief of Naval Section and helped organize and train the Chinese Navy in Taiwan.

As the Naval Advisor to the Chinese Naval Defense College, he reported from time to time to President Chiang Kai-shek. Later, as Plans and Operations Officer for the Commander of the First Fleet, he was responsible for the training and readiness of the First Fleet in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. His next assignment took him to Korea where Stanley was appointed Officer in Charge of the Chinhae Advisory Group to the Republic of Korea Navy. He was senior advisor to the Korean Fleet Commander, and directed 300 military and civilian specialists in the training and organization of their navy. Prior to his retirement from the Navy in 1962, he was appointed Plans Officer and Assistant to the Commander of the Military Sea Transportation Service. Acting essentially as chief of staff for the Commander, he also found time to lecture at the Naval War College on numerous occasions.

Immediately following his naval career, Stanley was named Director of Development for the Graduate Faculties of Columbia University in New York. In that capacity, he wrote and edited Graduate Faculties' publications, planned and supervised the development program, and administered other University activities and symposiums. He was a man of considerable intellect, talent, knowledge, composure and competency. But he was also a man of simple tastes and will be long remembered in the Spring Lake community for riding his bicycle almost everywhere, including the Post Office and the A&P. A practice he carried on into his 80's. Only a couple of auto collisions with little old ladies eventually persuaded him to hang up his bike. He never talked about his own exploits, but would always listen with interest to your story. He loved Asian art and was a regular at the New York City Ballet, where The Nutcracker was one of his favorites. A true renaissance man, he fought actively for his country, but loved English Literature, especially the works of Charles Dickens. His life and achievements were exemplary, and he leaves an enduring legacy of fortitude, honor, commitment and accomplishment. He loved his family and will be sorely missed.

He was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Mildred; his sisters-in-law, Nancy and Janet; his nephews, Garvie and Peter; and his niece, Stephanie. He is survived by his two younger brothers, Richard and Freeman; his nephew, Rick and his wife Leslie; Garvie's wife, Susan, and several great- and great-great-nephews and nieces.

Committal will be private. O'Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Route 35, Wall, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. For more information or to send condolences, visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.