Mr. James P. Creran

James P. Creran, 74, of Pittsfield, after fighting a long hard battle against Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, passed away on Thursday, March 17th with his family by his side. Jim was born November 16, 1936 in Pittsfield MA. He was the son of the late James H. Creran and Agnes Mazzer. He grew up in Pittsfield and was educated in local schools graduating from Pittsfield High School in 1954. Jim enlisted in the Army and served as a foot soldier from Jan 1, 1956 – Jan 1, 1958 when he received an honorable discharge. During his service he toured France and while stationed in Mainz, Germany met his wife Marianne whom he married on 4/18/1958. Jim was a true patriot and loved talking about American history especially about the Civil War or John F. Kennedy. Jim was a self-employed contractor building houses throughout Berkshire County. In 2010 he completed his 150th house. During his career he completed a 23 unit apartment complex – Michelle Manor in 1969, an office building – The Sabrina Professional Center on Wendell Avenue in 1972 and following that The Marianne Inn. Jim trained numerous apprentices including several from Taconic High School. Many of which later began their own construction companies. In 1977, Jim obtained his Real Estate Brokers license and began C-Mor Realty Inc. with his cousin Mary Morse. Jim never retired and through his career Jim remained active as a landlord and property manager of both Michelle Manor and The Sabrina Professional Center along with various residential properties. Jim was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, boating and was a talented water skier. He was a Red Sox and Patriots fan but his favorite sporting event was watching his grandsons play baseball. Jim adored his family and loved to spend time going out to dinner together and spoiling his granddaughters. Jim was a member of several clubs throughout his day including the Lee & Stockbridge Sportsmen’s’ clubs. During his participation in these clubs Jim won numerous awards and in 2010 the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s’ Club renamed there annual New Year’s Day shoot to the Jim Creran Red Nose Shoot. He was also a member of the National Skeet Shooting Association, Amateur Trapshooting Association, and the National Rifle Association. Jim also won numerous awards as a former member of the Berkshire Beagle club where he competed in field trials supported by the American kennel club. Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marianne Creran. His 2 daughters, Michelle O’Brien of Pittsfield and Sabrina Evangelisto and her husband Thomas Evangelisto of Pittsfield; as well as five grandchildren, Scott and Chris O’Brien and Makenzie , Amanda and Logan Evangelisto. Four sisters and one brother; Sally Perry and her husband Bruce of Averill Park NY, Christine Pike and her husband Bill of Hinsdale, Susan Goldenberg and her husband Phil of Jacksonville FL, MaryAnn Gingras and her husband Phil of Windsor, Charles Creran and his wife Sandra in South Carolina along with many sisters in-laws and brothers-in-laws, neices and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Catherine , and brothers Daniel and Frank Creran. Funeral services for James P. Creran will be Wednesday March 23, 2011 at 9 am from the Dwyer Funeral Home, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Mark’s Church, celebrated by the Rev. John Salatino, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Tuesday March 22, 2011 from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers donations in Mr. Creran’s memory may be made to Father Flanagan’s Boys Town in care of DWYER FUNERAL HOME, 776 North Street, Pittsfield MA.

Mr. James P. Creran

November 16, 1936 - March 17, 2011