Michael J. Cranney

PEABODY — Michael J. "Howie" Cranney, 53 of Peabody, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family early Friday morning June 6, 2008.

He and his wife Elizabeth (Gabrielski) (Gagnon) Cranney had shared eight wonderful and loving years together and were recently married.

Born in Lynn, the son of Marie (Bickford) Cranney of Danvers, and the late James P. Cranney, he was raised and educated in Salem schools, graduating from Salem High School in the Class of 1973.

For over 18 years Mr. Cranney was employed by Essex Office Supply in Salem. In 1997 Michael established the Cranney Printing and Promotional Products Company in Danvers, a business which he has operated since that time.

Dedicated to his children and family, he was an active member of the Salem Moose Lodge. As a member he was on both the pool and dart teams and had participated in many tournaments. He was also a Third Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus Veragua Council 76 in Salem.

Michael enjoyed golfing with his friends and had been a member of the Naples Country Club in Naples, Maine. On this Sunday, Michael will be posthumously awarded the North Shore A.R.C Distinguished Service Award, an award he was nominated for earlier this year. It is presented each year to a person or organization who has made a difference in the lives of persons with developmental disabilities.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by three daughters, Stephanie Varoudakis and her husband Anthony Varoudakis, Esq., of Salem, Erin Niemisto and her husband Scott Niemisto, Esq. of Boston, and Kate Cranney and her fiance Richard Murray, Jr. of Salem; two step-children, Ryan and Tara Gagnon of Peabody; his five siblings Patricia Lahey and her husband Stephen Lahey, MD. of New York, Salem Fire Department Captain Paul Cranney and his wife Denise, of Danvers, Brian Cranney and his wife Sheila of Lee, N.H., Stephen Cranney and his wife Allison of Dacula, Ga., and William Cranney and his wife Colleen of Exton, Pa.; one grandchild Madison Lee Murray of Salem; his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Garbrielski of Peabody, and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral will be held on Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., (cor of North St) Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. James Church, 161 Federal St., Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923. For online guest book or additional information please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.