James "jim" Cravino

James Cravino, age 79 of Plaistow, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, with his loving family by his side. James was born in Lawrence, MA on December 1, 1936 the son of the late Anthony J. and Laura M. (Peter) Cravino. His family moved to Salem, NH where Jim graduated from Woodbury High School, Class of 1955. He joined and proudly served for 4 years in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged. Upon returning home, he started his career at Western Electric, which later became AT&T, and then Lucent Technologies. Jim was in charge of the prototype wiring shop in Bell Laboratories and retired following 34 years of service. He served as vice-president of CWA Local 1366.

Jim was a fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New York Giants. He also enjoyed golfing and watching NASCAR racing. He was a life member of the AMVETS Post 147 in Haverhill, MA, and served on their board of directors. He was a loyal friend of the Carl Davis Post 34 of Plaistow, NH and Smith's Tavern in Haverhill, MA. Most of all, Jim enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved traveling to the Irish Village and Hyannis Inn on Cape Cod, Old Orchard and York Beach in Maine, Lincoln, NH and most of all, to their "Home away from home" in Aruba. He and his wife, Kathleen, spent 3 weeks there in the fall and in 2015, they were honored by the Aruba Tourism Authority as "Distinguished Visitors" for visiting Aruba for 14 consecutive years.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Kathleen (Madigan) Cravino of Plaistow, NH. His brother, Harold Cravino and wife, Priscilla of East Kingston, NH. His sister, Rosalie Diltz of Merrimack, NH. His brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chester and Eileen Chapman of Kingston, NH. He is also survived by his nephews; Richard Cravino and wife, Cheryl of Pelham, NH, Daniel Chapman of Newton, NH and Jason and Justin Madigan of Barrington, NH. His nieces, Lorna Fortin and husband, Larry and their 2 sons; Anthony and Matthew Glen of Merrimack, NH, Shona Emery and husband, Jesse and their 4 children; Kendra Shaw and David, Jacob and Mhrissa Emery of Raymond, NH, Jennifer Reifler and husband, Michael of Barrington, NH.

"Until we meet again James, may God hold you in the palm of his hand".

Family and friends are invited to attend Mr. Cravino's Life Celebration on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 from 4-7 PM at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main Street (Rt. 121A), Plaistow, NH 03865. Funeral services will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, February, 17, 2016 at 10:30 AM. Burial with Air Force Military Honors will follow in Plaistow Cemetery. Donations may be made to: The American Heart Association, 2 Wall Street # 104, Manchester, NH 03101 or to The American Cancer Society, 2 Commerce Drive #110, Bedford, NH 03110.