Gary Craver

Gary Alan Craver, 84, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, peacefully passed away of natural causes at home on October 8, 2019. Gary was born December 9, 1934 in Freeport, Oregon, son of Norma Elizabeth and the James Bartley Craver. Gary attended Menlo School in Atherton, California and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was honored for his service with a National Defense Service Medal as well as an Army Occupation Medal. After he was honorably discharged from the Army, he graduated from the University of Chicago. He settled in the Washington D.C. area and worked for the Office of Personnel Management and as a Government Consultant before founding the H.R. Systems Group, of which he was the president. Upon retiring in 2004, he and his wife relocated to Colorado Springs to enjoy the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Gary is survived by his wife of 47 years Janice Alma Craver, his two daughters Mary Elizabeth Iannicola (Dan) and Lesley Ann Riggione (Mario); and four grandchildren, Brian Thomas Riggione, Vincent Craver Riggione, Grace Elizabeth Iannicola, and Vivian Caroline Riggione; as well as six nieces and nephews. Gary is predeceased by his mother, Norma Elizabeth Craver; father, James Bartley Craver; brothers James Craver Jr. and Norman Craver; and sister Jody C. Prather. Gary was a devoted husband and father and enjoyed cooking thoughtfully prepared meals for his family and friends. He enjoyed fly fishing and other outdoor recreational activities as well as cheering on the Broncos and Redskins. In his younger years he enjoyed race car driving, mountain climbing and playing tennis. Gary had a zest for both life and learning and was well traveled and well read. He will be remembered by his family for his passion for history and The Wall Street Journal as well as for his refined tastes in food, wine, music and literature. Gary was a registered organ donor and upon his death was able to share the gift of life with others. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Lung Association (www.lung.org).