John Craft

John J. Craft, 77, of Devon, passed away on Dec. 8 after a courageous battle with lung disease. He leaves behind his wife, Deborah, son, John Craft, Jr. (Deborah), daughter, Pamela Craft DeLuccia (John) of Berwyn, son, Christopher (Kristen) of Paoli, dear brother of James Craft, the late Clifford J. Craft, Lois Dunlap and Ruth Spaulding and seven grandchildren.



A love of Civil War history led Mr. Craft to Civil War Library and Museum in Philadelphia where he served as executive director from 1995 to 1999. He started with the museum in 1983 and was involved in founding a volunteer organization where he served on the board of governors.



Mr. Craft retired from a career in public education in 1993 after serving more than 30 years with the Philadelphia public school system. In his last position as Director of Adult Education, he was responsible for the operation of a comprehensive, citywide network of programs providing educational and job placement services annually for thousands of full and part-time adult students and out-of-school youth. His tenure as an educator included appointments to the Governor's Commission for Labor and Manpower Policy for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Area Manpower Planning Council, and the Private Industry Council of Philadelphia.



For many years Mr. Craft has supported and promoted efforts to preserve Civil War battlefields and other historic sites. He is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Mr. Craft's volunteer activities have included officiating at YMCA swimming meets and participating in programs designed to treat and rehabilitate victims of alcoholism and substance abuse.



Mr. Craft received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from Villanova University, and attended graduate programs at the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. He is a native of the Philadelphia area, and was born and raised in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.



A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Monica's Church in Berwyn at 11:00 am on Friday Dec. 13. Visitation will take place in the church from 10:00 to 10:50 am. Internment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mr. Craft can be made to Surrey Services for Seniors, 28 Bridge Ave., Berwyn, Pa. 19312.