Robert Craven

CUYAHOGA FALLS – Robert Dale Craven, 64, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, formerly of Steubenville, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, June 4th. He was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio in August of 1955. Rob was raised with his siblings Randy (Joyce), Sheri, and Ken (Rita) in a happy home provided by his Mother, Barbara Finlinson Craven, and Father, Adrian K. Craven. He graduated from Toronto High School in 1973 and attended Asbury College and Kent State University.

Rob met Janet Kromalic at the Teen Haven Coffee House in 1973. They married on Friday, June 13th, 1975. His Grandfather, Reverend Finlinson performed the ceremony at Riverview Methodist Church in Toronto Ohio.  Rob and Jan honeymooned in Cleveland in order to attend the memorable Rolling Stones concert (wedding gift).

He was a loving Father to two very special children, Ian Robert and Marley Elizabeth. Rob and Janet shared and supported each other through the devastating grief that they suffered upon the loss of their beloved children.  Ian, deceased in 2005.  Marley, deceased in 2010

The birth of Rob’s only Grandson, Robert Cleveland Craven (Rob) in September of 2004 to Ian and Breanna provided Rob with the greatest joy. In later years they shared countless discussions of politics, religion and music. Rob passed on his love of music to Grandson, Rob. They experienced live concerts that include: Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, and Sabaton.

Later in life he was able to locate his biological Father, Tom Baker (Anne), and grew to know his siblings, Nicky and Jody.

Rob was a career musician. He played with and admired so many great musicians. They are too numerous to count. Rob started to write and record songs in the 70’s with his acoustic guitar. He most recently produced a compilation of selected works that resulted in, Existential Jukebox. Rob shared this CD with all that met him. He was often referred to as the “Pied Piper of the music world”. Rob was a jazz enthusiast as well as a Rock and Roller. He was aggressively planning and creating his next production when he passed away unexpectedly.

He played in many bands throughout his lifetime. Rob played with Medusa, The Taco Brothers, The Desperados, Pidge and the Legendary T-Birds, The Mongrels, The Leaks, and Broken Arrow.

His friends are countless and he loved to visit and chat. Many thanks to his long- time friend, Gary Ryan for his devotion to Rob.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be designated for Rob’s Grandson, Robert Cleveland Craven’s -education memorial fund.

An outdoor Celebration of Rob’s Life will be held this summer in Toronto Ohio.

Arrangements entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home and Crematory, 330-928-2147.