William J. McCRACKEN

McCRACKEN, William J. Bill McCracken, loved and cherished, husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully with his family present on October 29, 2010. Bill was born on March 11, 1928, to William and Teresa McCracken and was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduating from La Salle University, he enlisted in the Navy in 1950. He graduated from Pensacola flight school as a Second Lieutenant and joined his Marine fighter squadron based in Atsugi, Japan, from where he flew missions during the Korean War. Later, he delivered AU Corsair fighters to Tourane Air Base (later Danang) in French Indochina. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, having attained the rank of Major. His civilian career covered 35 years in the aerospace industry and he retired from Northrop Grumman in 1995. Upon retirement, he and his wife, Micheline, relocated from their home of 25 years in La Canada - Flintridge to Bear Valley Springs, California.
He is survived by his wife, Micheline, five sons, Sean, Kevin, Brian, Brendan and Michael and his daughter Michele Doney. He also leaves behind daughters-in-law, Laurie, Mary and Carrie McCracken, son-in-law Todd Doney and 12 grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Teresa Doorley of Pennsylvania and Mary Hong of Los Angeles. Bill was a committed family man and husband. Bill and Micheline celebrated their 59th anniversary two days before his passing. His recreational joys in life were playing golf, reading, traveling and attending all family-oriented events especially those involving sports. He was a man of steadfast principles and a champion for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on November 9, 2010 at 1:00 PM at St. Andrew Catholic Church located at 311 N. Raymond Street, Pasadena, California. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's honor may be made to Breast Cancer Research c/o B.C.C.R.F. 6022 Wilshire Blvd.#201 Los Angeles, California 90036 www.BCCRF.org. Please sign the online guest book at www.callanancares.com and contact Callanan & Woods Scovern, 818.242.0258, regarding any questions.