James N. Cravatta

James N. Cravatta, 92, a former resident of Hughestown, passed away peacefully Saturday at Linwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Scranton.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, the former Mary Ellen Sabido, on Feb. 14, 2006.

Born in Pittston, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Crucia Vella Cravatta.

He was a 1945 graduate of Pittston High School and was the captain of the football team.

While residing in the Pittston and Hughestown communities, he had been a member of both Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and Blessed Sacrament Parish.

He was a veteran of the United States Army. Prior to retirement, he worked in various sales positions with the Fuller Brush Co., the Lifetime Cookware Co., where he met his wife to be, and in insurance sales for the Knights of Columbus. He was also the co-owner of the Circle Diner in Wilkes-Barre with his late brother, Salvatore, and was the owner of the Top Hat Diner in Kingston. James was a 4th Degree member of the Luzerne Council, Knights of Columbus, and had been an active volunteer with Meals on Wheels of Pittston for many years, as well as a member of the Pittston Lions Club.

In addition to his volunteer service, he enjoyed gardening, playing bingo and friendly card games, drinking homemade Italian wine and watching westerns on television. He also enjoyed the company of his faithful dogs, Barney and Manny. He had a kind word for everyone he met and made friends everywhere he went.

James was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and soon to be great-grandfather who loved being with his family and considered his most valued treasure his grandchildren.

His family would like to thank the staff of Linwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and especially, Donna, Tom, Kim, Maida and Sharon, and also the Hospice of the Sacred Heart for all their dedicated care.

Surviving are two daughters, Christine Creedon and husband, Michael, and Mary Kate Grande and husband, Charles, all of Old Forge; two sons, Samuel Cravatta, Tempe, Ariz., and James Cravatta Jr. and wife, Olga, Reston, Va.; five grandchildren, Carolyn Creedon, Chicago, Ill., Patrick Creedon, Old Forge, Dr. Kristina Hill and husband, Dr. Jared Hill, and Karla Grande, all of Pittsburgh, and Alex Cravatta, Reston, Va.; sisters-in-law, Helen Cravatta and Ethel Cravatta; in addition to many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Ann Doyle, and three brothers, Salvatore (Sam), Leo and Joseph Cravatta.

The funeral will be Tuesday with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church (Prince of Peace Parish), 123 W. Grace St., Old Forge.

Family and friends may call Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Savino Traditional Funerals and Cremation Care, 157 South Main Ave., West Scranton, Carl J. Savino, supervisor.

Interment will follow Mass in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carverton.

All those attending the visitation and funeral Mass are asked to wear a mask and observe social distancing.

Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, 59 South Main St., Pittston, 18640.

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