Obituary of Michael F. "Maxie" Kravchuk

Michael F. “Maxie” Kravchuk, 85, died on Tuesday July 17, 2007, at his home in Peabody surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving husband to his surviving wife Frances (Stocker) Kravchuk with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. “Maxie” was born in the Ukraine, Russia on July 8, 1922 son of the late Feodor P. and Mary (Yefinchuk) Kravchuk. He emigrated from Russia in 1927 through Mexico into the United States “Ellis Island” in 1929, where the family moved to Peabody MA. “Maxie” was raised and a lifelong resident of Peabody, graduating from Peabody High School in 1942, serving in the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1940. He also pursued his education at Southeastern Louisiana. In June 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Specialist Physical Training Instructor, Second Class, until being honorably discharged in 1946. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Medal. He then remained in the National Guard for several years following the war. “Maxie was employed as a leather worker in several Peabody companies, was an owner of the Bayside Inn in Nahant between 1955 to 1968. In 1961, he joined the City of Peabody Fire Department and was employed as a Peabody Fire Fighter retiring after 17 years of dedicated service to the department. He served many years as a Commissioner on the Peabody Liquor Licensing Board and achieved the rank of Grand Elect Mason at the Jordan Masonic Lodge AF & AM. in Peabody. While at PHS he was an outstanding athlete between the years 1939-1942 and was one of the original 1994 inductees into the Peabody Hall of Fame for his achievements in PHS football and baseball. “Maxie was devoted to his family, enjoying his days with the family at his farmhouse “The Farm” in Tamworth NH, taking trips with his family and basking in the glow of social gatherings with family and friends. He especially loved spending his time with his 25 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He dedicated many years volunteering for the American Red Cross, Peabody Senior Center, coaching many woman softball teams, supported all types of Peabody sports teams. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children and their spouses, Francine (James) Keenan, Michael (Donna Clifford) Kravchuk, Nina (Gary) Roltsch, Toni Cassidy, Michele (Anthony) Kolodjiez all of Peabody, Linda (Paul) Labrecque of Lincoln Maine, Stephen (Bonnie Mello) Kravchuk, Susan (Danny) McClory all of Middleton and Karl (Mary Lou McGee) Kravchuk of Groveland, a former son in law, Michael Cassidy of Peabody; a sister and husband, Anna (Benedict) Campagnolo of Beverly Farms, 2 brothers and his in-laws, Leo (Angela Regis) Kravchuk of Danvers, Alex (Maureen Callahan) Kravchuk of Newburyport, Etheline "Chick" Kravchuk of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Theodore “Ted” and Isabelle Stocker of Alton Bay NH; his grandchildren and their spouses, James Keenan Jr., Tobi Dabrieo and Todd, Kelly and Edward Lomasney, Brian Labrecque, Crissta Labrecque Levy and Luis, Tanya, Lyndsey and Michael Kravchuk, Justin, Jesse and Kendall Kravchuk, Melanee Collins and Daniel, Gary Roltsch, Karl, Daniel, Nicholas and Kayla Kravchuk, Reagan, Michael and Leigh Ann Cassidy, Michelle and Stephen McClory, Lauren, Kelsey and Anthony Kolodjiez; his 10 great grandchildren, Todd Dabrieo Jr., Kira and Lara Dabrieo, Madelyne, Hailee and Brooke Lomasney, Robert Rapino, Jordyn, Cameron and Derek Collins and many nieces, nephews. A daughter Tina Kravchuk, a sister Valentina Kravchuk and brothers Peter and Anthony Kravchuk preceded him in death His funeral will be held on Saturday July 21, 2007 at 8:45 a.m. from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St. (new location) Peabody followed by a service at 10 a.m. in the West Congregational Church, 27 Johnson St., Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours Friday 4 to 8 p.m. A Masonic Service will be held at 7 p.m. Burial in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers MA 01923.