Michael Bruce Cravatta

Obituary lovingly written by Michael's family...
Michael Bruce Cravatta, age 100, of Westmont, IL, formerly of Savanna and Oswego, IL, peacefully passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Sunrise of Westmont. He was born on October 24, 1925, in Savanna, IL. The son of John and Pietra (née Di Stefano) Cravatta.
Michael lived a full, faith-filled life. He was a true and faithful servant of God, our country, his family, and all those who knew him. Michael's selflessness and compassion for others defined him, and he had a positive impact on everyone he met. Michael proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Seaman First Class aboard the USS LST 680. His role involved providing amphibious support by carrying large quantities of vehicles, cargo, and troops for their intended missions. After his honorable discharge, he followed in his father's footsteps and pursued a career in the railroad industry. He retired from the Milwaukee Railroad as a chief office clerk after 45 years of dedicated service.
Michael was an incredible athlete and participated in many sports during his youth, including football, basketball, baseball, wrestling, and track. As a devoted father, he coached his son's eighth-grade basketball team, which finished 23–0 and won the Diocesan Championship. This team was later inducted into the Northwest Illinois Hall of Fame. In his 70s, Michael competed in the Senior Games in Plano, TX. Over four years, he won more than 20 medals in track and field, many of them gold. In addition to being an athlete himself, he enjoyed cheering for his Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Bulls, as well as the University of Illinois, Purdue University, and Notre Dame.
His hobbies included bowling, photography, singing, and cooking. Michael also volunteered at Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, MO, bringing his friendly and loving spirit to both staff and patients. More than anything, Michael loved spending time with his grandchildren and even babysat the youngest three well into his 80s. Michael was a member of many Catholic parishes throughout his life, including St. John the Baptist in Savanna, IL; St. Anthony's in Camdenton, MO; St. Anne's in Oswego, IL; and most recently, Notre Dame Catholic Parish in Clarendon Hills, IL. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1947, American Legion Post 148 in Savanna, IL, the United States LST Association, and the Lions Club.
He is survived by his children, Christine Fronczak and Karen (Theodore) Bots; daughter-in-law Kathleen Cravatta; grandchildren Chad Cravatta (Carrie), Ian Fronczak (Patricia), Sean Fronczak, Liam Bots (fiancée Gabriela), Owen Bots, and Evan Bots; and great-grandchildren Rylann, Amorey, Sullivan, Laken, and Christian.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his spouse Marilyn (nee Nehrkorn) Cravatta; his son Michael J. Cravatta; a grandson, Ryan Cravatta; two sisters; and six brothers. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 64 Norfolk Ave., Clarendon Hills, IL 60514. Interment with full military honors will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60421. Memorials may be made to Mission of Our Lady of the Angels, https://www.missionola.com/getInvolved_DonateOnline.html.
Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory, 1801 S. Douglas Road, Oswego, IL 60543. For information, please call 630-554-3888 or visit www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com.