Emory A Craft Jr.

Emory A (Arnie) Craft Jr. 7/2/1942 - 9/12/2024
On September 12th, 2024, our father, Arnie, was called home at the age of 82. On the day of his passing, he was draped with so much love and in the presence of his family. While his Earthly presence left us, he was welcomed by his Maker and reunited with family and friends who previously gained their wings.
Arnie was a man who believed in working hard, respecting others, being fair and making his way in Life to take care of those he Loved. To know him was to Love him, he loved his family deeply and never wavered when someone was in need, whether it was family, a friend or local community member. He was a man of honor and pride and respected by so many, especially those in and around his hometown of Columbus, New Jersey. He grew up an only child and went on to build a legacy beyond measure in his 82 years here on Earth. Arnie was a successful and well-known local business owner, he poured his heart and soul into his businesses, Emory A. Craft Real Estate and Mansfield Oil Company.
Arnie found joy in many things throughout his life such as traveling, fishing, skiing and happy hours with his family and friends. He also had a serious and stern persona on the exterior, but he was a genuine prankster, pot stirrer and loved a good laugh especially if he was the cause of it.
Arnie's Imprint is Indelible, although his Earthly presence may no longer Grace us, we know his Eternal Presence will Forever Protect and Guide. A few of his most treasured places to spend time were Kubel's after a day of fishing, Barnegat Lighthouse Marina, whether going out on his boat or just watching the Head boats come and go for the day, stopping by his 15th Street Pit stop for his afternoon Captain cocktails with whoever might be around, his North 2nd Street little Slice of Heaven, his yearly Florida retreats, his favored Chick & Nello's and of course his Pride and Joy Woodview Court
He was born to Emory & Mildred (Simmington) Craft Sr on July 2nd 1942, Sadly, Mildred passed when Arnie had just turned 2. Emory Sr went on to meet and marry Dorothy (Sparks) Craft where together they raised and built a lovely family life with Arnie in Columbus NJ. He went on to grow up and remain a lifelong resident of Columbus where he raised his own family and was an active community member.
Arnie was a Son, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and Surrogate Father. They were his most cherished titles, and biggest accomplishments in a list of many and where his legacy will continue to blossom through each one:
Arnie and his 1st wife Pamela (Clark) had 3 children Emory A.III, Christina and Tara. Pam remained a faithful best friend and supported him throughout the many chapters of his life.
Emory A. III (Son) and Dawn (Pinkavitch) Craft of Florence, New Jersey and their 2 children Dalton Craft and Erin Craft.
Christina L. (Craft) (Daughter) and Frank Gonzalez of Chesterfield, New Jersey and their 3 children Ashley (Gonzalez) Stiles, Taylor (Gonzalez) DeVries and Chandler Gonzalez.
Tara L. (Craft) (Daughter) and Joseph LaPenna of Columbus, New Jersey and their daughter McKenzie (Armstrong) Durr.
Arnie's greatest joy over his last 17 years was witnessing what the love of 2 only children had created and went on to bless him with 10 great-grandchildren Dylan and Nathan Stiles, Rhett, Sawyer and
Emory DeVries, Cordelia, Digger, Mercy, Lemmy and Quincy Durr. His 11th is due to arrive in December to the Durr clan.
Arnie and his 2nd wife Robin (Smith) had the type of everlasting love, the kind which kept their hearts tethered to one another even during their separate chapters of life. He reunited with his true love and enjoyed the past 8 years of his life with Robin and her daughters Chloe and Kenna Smith, who he loved and treated as if they were his own.
Relatives and friends may greet the family on Saturday, September 28th 2024, from 10AM to 12PM, at the Huber Moore Funeral Home, 517 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown, NJ. Funeral services will follow at 12PM, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations are made to the University of Pennsylvania's Abramson Cancer Center for allowing us the past 17 years with Arnie. Abramson Cancer Center https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/giving