John Crehan

A Little Back Story

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A LITTLE BACK STORY:

Born in Hartford, Connecticut to Carolyn and John Crehan Sr., John Jr. was the youngest of six siblings (Helen, Ray, Cliff, Nora, and Richie, with John bringing up the rear). He was the last survivor of his immediate family, passing away at the age of 95. Born in the challenging era of the Great Depression, his childhood was a complex one characterized by both hard times and scrappy adventures. Cardboard from cereal boxes filled the holes in shoes, stick ball in the streets kept him active and distracted, and sneaking into the movie theatre through the exit door at the top of the fire escape are just a few child hood snap shots.

John was admired and adored by his siblings, nieces, and nephews – always referred to as “the jovial one,” “the fun loving and thoughtful uncle,” “the entertainer who could tell a great story,” “‘the one with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face,” “the one who looked out for his mother,” and “the one who got away.”

Alcohol was not a benign presence in the family household, and in an effort to escape its volatile grip, John felt an irresistible pull toward something higher – literally – he joined the Airforce. This led to a 38-year career with American Airlines when airline jobs were a major score!! Known as the Pan Am era, this was a time when people dressed up to fly; when there were piano lounges in coach; when flight attendants carved prime rib, served it to you on real plates with actual silverware and then asked you if you wanted hot fudge, strawberries, or caramel sauce on your sundae served in a freezer frosted glass. No, I’m not making this up! Every life has a “golden period” and that’s what the American Airlines years were for John! It was the period that brought him to San Francisco in the 60s, led him to the love of his life and best friend of 62 years, Jean Capesius, and the start of a family with two daughters, Carol and Leslie.

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BELOVED HUSBAND – WORDS FROM JEAN:

You are the love of my life! Cheers to 62 outstanding years and to all the martini olives and kisses that garnish my memories. You are with me forever.

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BELOVED DAD – A POEM FROM CAROL:

MY FATHER'S GIFTS

Irish eyes that could sparkle

All-around athlete, excellent swimmer,

Without your shine

Life is dimmer.

You could sure tell a joke

And witty stories were far from rare

As the sound of the martini shaker

Filled the air

Proud Air Force Veteran,

With jet-setter glory days in airline flight --

Taught me to throw a football

And to steer a wayward kite.

Leslie & I would sing to The Mamas & The Papas

Using a hairbrush as a mic,

As you pulled us on our roller skates

From the back of your bike.

To feel your love

Was to be cradled in warmth & perplexity --

Such gifts I take with me...

Depth & complexity.

I love you more that the tallest redwood

Rest easy & fly free...

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BELOVED DAD & FATHER-IN-LAW – A LETTER FROM LESLIE:

I’m a lucky girl. I got the best Dad -- a dad that showed me his love in so many ways. You provided and supported me while growing up, a feat I appreciate because it takes a lifetime of commitment.

You showed your love by being a friend, a counselor, a voice of reason shaping me from childhood to adulthood. Thank you for all the adventures to foreign and domestic lands, the many wonderful fun stories, playing with us kids and being a big kid yourself. Thank you for pulling us on your bike through Golden Gate Park so Carol and I could pretend to waterski on roller skates, teaching me to throw a football, how to dive and swim, and to drive a manual transmission car, and most importantly how to mix a proper vodka martini. I love you for all the joy and fun you brought to my life and those who surrounded you

Words from Jason, Son-in-law --You were always so welcoming and inclusive of everyone you met! I’ve been honored to be part of your family.