Thomas J. Craven Jr.

West Springfield-Thomas J Craven, age 86, passed peacefully on April 11th in Baystate Medical Center after a very long illness. Thomas was born in West Springfield, MA and resided there for most of his life. He worked for Milton Bradley where he met his wife of 54 years, Lorraine LaFleur. He also worked at Hampden Color and Chemical and Hubbard Hall. In his younger years, Tom was an avid bowler. He loved camping, fishing, and setting off fireworks while smoking a good cigar with his brother-in-law, Al. Thomas suffered a massive stroke at 59 years old and defied all odds by surviving the next 27-1/2 years due to the care of his devoted wife, Lorraine. Even though he could not walk or talk, they traveled, went on cruises, frequent casinos, saw their son get married and the birth of their grandchildren. Thomas was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Mary, his sister Irene Montebello, brother Earl and his wife Elaine, and brother Sidney Gilbert Thomas leaves his loving wife and caretaker, Lorraine (LaFleur), his beloved son William, his wife, Marissa, grandchildren Piper and Ensley, step-grandson Caleb, his in-laws, Norman and Rose LaFleur, their children Joseph LaFleur and Jenna Perkins, Jean and Alan Aloisi, their children, Jason and Michael and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be 10-noon on Saturday, May 3 at TOOMEY-O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME followed by a Memorial Mass at St. Thomas Church, West Springfield at 12:30. Donations may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl, Memphis TN, 38105 or the Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union Street, Springfield, MA 01105. For more information, please visit toomeyobrien.com.