Robert Cameron Craw, Jr.

     Robert Cameron Craw Jr., age 73, of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, suffered a fatal heart attack at home on August 6, 2024. He was the loving husband of Diane (DiGiovanni) Craw, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage. Born and raised in Inglewood, California, he was the son of the late Robert C. Craw Sr. and the late Carroll (Slack) Craw. 

     Rob was born with a congenital heart defect. He underwent open-heart surgery at seven years old at UCLA Medical Center. It was one of the earliest surgeries of its kind in the United States, only four years after the invention of the heart-lung machine. He was not expected to live beyond his teenage years. Despite this early trauma, Rob was determined to live a full life. 

     During his family’s camping vacations in Sequoia National Park, he would often spend entire days fishing by himself. He was a natural athlete and participated in high school pole vaulting and football. As a young adult, he played in a semi-pro softball league and drove funny cars and dragsters at national events. He was quite a source of what he deprecatingly called “useless information” – movie, television and sports trivia. He said it was from so much time spent in the hospital watching TV. 

     Professionally, Rob was a certified automotive technician for Alfa Romeo. He met his wife, Diane, while servicing her 1974 Alfa Romeo in Hollywood, CA. He met and befriended several other Alfa and Ferrari owners, including many in the music business, notably staff and members of the band, "Journey."  He even arranged for a body shop to paint their grand piano red. 

     Later, when he moved to the east coast, Rob continued to work on Alfa Romeos, Ferraris, Fiats and other Italian sports cars on the Main Line. Diane's classic Alfa now 50 years old is still in mint condition thanks to Rob's expertise and care over the past half century. 

     In his thirties, Rob took up golf, changed careers and ultimately became a professional golf instructor. Others often described him as a born mentor and an insightful teacher. He had an intuitive gift for understanding people and he did his best to help them through their challenges. 

     Rob was happy to become part of Diane’s Italian family circle. He enjoyed being with and helping the elders and developed close relationships with Diane’s siblings, nieces and nephews. He loved children and they in turn often gravitated to him. He loved animals, especially Irish Setters. He received his first one at age seven after being discharged from the hospital. He and  Diane went on to raise six Irish Setters over the years. Their current one is named, “Finn,” and was Rob’s loyal companion. 

     As a multi-talented person, Rob had an innate artistic ability. He was always sketching and doodling, frequently personalizing family birthday cards with his cartoons. He was an inventor and loved tinkering with his tools and making something new of out something old. He loved orchids; If anyone’s orchid was not doing well, he would take it and nurse it back to health. 

     Rob was a generous, kind, thoughtful, and caring person. He will be remembered for being a man with a BIG heart who was always willing to step in and help anyone in need. He was like a little kid in a big man’s body and will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him. “Happy Trails,” Rob. We love you. 

     In addition to his wife, Rob is survived by his sister, Carroll Purvis; his brother, James Cameron (Jane); stepsisters, Michele and Shannon McGowen; and several cherished nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Rob was predeceased by his stepmother, Janice (McGowan) Craw. 

     You are invited to visit with Rob’s family and friends from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Monday, September 16, 2024, at the Kennett Square Golf and Country Club, 100 East Locust Lane, Kennett Square, PA 19348. His Celebration of Life will follow at noon. Interment will be held privately. 

     In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in memory of Robert C. Craw Jr. to First Tee* of Greater Philadelphia, 800 Walnut Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19128 by check or online:  https://firstteephiladelphia.org/

     Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. To view Rob’s online obituary and leave condolences, please visit www.griecofunerals.com 

*First Tee - Greater Philadelphia's mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. As a youth development organization, they create learning experiences that bring out inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids carry to everything they do.