Mark Anthony Craven (1943 – 2023) was born in Boston, Ma. to Martin and Carol (Hill) Craven.  He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Stephen.  He is survived by his life partner Connie Lehr, his nephew Sloan, his wife Rebecca and their children Jackson and Oliver, his niece Leigh, her husband Preston and their children Grayson and Peyton.  

Mark was that crusty curmudgeon who, even though describing himself as “a glass half empty and the glass had a crack in it,” would do anything for anyone, and often did.  He was always on the alert for anyone needing help, whether it was a good friend or a stranger at the airport. He was known for showing his appreciation for others, including knowing each nurse’s name when getting treatment and giving away candy to flight attendants when traveling over the holidays.

Mark was a lover of music, the arts and sports.  He especially enjoyed going to the symphony and listening to classical music throughout his day.  He was forever on the lookout for what was happening around Boston and made good use of the subway by heading into the city for  musical events, theater, museum exhibits, sporting events and any kind of special exhibit that caught his eye.  

Traveling was also a passion.  He would spend hours researching and planning a trip, ensuring not a minute was wasted.  He was everyone’s go to trip planner and traveled whenever he could.  Trips could be anywhere, including enjoying at least one National Park a year as well as traveling across the pond and to other parts of the world.  He especially loved London and was known for going to more plays than days spent in the city.  He proudly did 15 plays in 7 days on one trip.  Two plays in a day (matinee and evening performance) were not unusual.  

Mark loved good wine and was more knowledgeable than most about various wines — always researching what wine was best with what food.   He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and the wine itself.  (This included, of course, airing the wine properly and having the right wine glass for each wine.)    

Mark loved working in his garden (always flowers, not vegetables.). It was his go to happy place where he managed to always have something blooming.  And there were always lots of plants inside the house, as he worked constantly to get those stubborn orchids to bloom.  

Mark loved reading, listening, and learning, so he could talk with others about almost anything.  He had so many important relationships but  none more than his special relationships with his niece and nephew and their families as well as his godson, Mark Nagorniuk and his wife Kim and his goddaughter Bethany Dornig.  He was a kind, thoughtful man who will be greatly missed.  

Mark supported many varied charities.  Donations can be made to each person’s favorite charity in Mark’s name.