Francis Patrick "Pat" Craven

"Let me tell you about my best friend."

Francis Patrick Craven of New Smyrna Beach Florida departed this life on September 1, 2025 at approximately 4:20 pm at the age of 56. Pat was born in Miami, FL to Margaret ("Peggy") Dotzmann Craven and G. Francis Craven on February 16, 1969. He resided in Florida until about age 6, then moved to New Jersey and lived with his family including his Aunt Mary Ellen, Uncle Don and cousins Matt, Kelly and Mimi. He would eventually spend his time between Center City, Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, NJ, graduating from Cherry Hill West in 1988. He then went on to play baseball for the University of Wisconsin earning a bachelor's degree in liberal arts. After college he lived in Atlantic City and Manhattan before he moved back to Florida in the late 90's.

This time he would move to New Smyrna Beach, where his mother Peggy resided upon retirement. Pat spent the next 25 years working with his best friend Dave at Trader's bar where he became a town favorite! Pat was known for his practical jokes, witty sense of humor, genuine caring personality and beautiful soul. If you were blessed enough to be Pat's friend, you knew you always had an ally in your corner. Pat loved golf, the beach, telling really long stories, making his famous "episode" videos, and watching sports – especially the Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies baseball, and Villanova basketball.

In 2010, while working at Trader's together, Pat started dating his soul mate, Lisa. She had 2 young children, Kadin and Kirya, who he would help raise as his own. Pat was selfless and took care of everyone else even before himself. His departure has left a hole in not only Lisa, Kadin and Kirya's lives, but the lives of every one he has touched. We encourage everyone to tell their favorite Pat stories so we can all continue to have a laugh with him. Celebration of life will be at Trader's bar in NSB on October 21st, from 4 to 8 PM.