Anthony Creane Obituary

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Reverend Anthony (Tony) Creane, who departed this life on July 22, at the age of 95. Born on October 28, 1929, in the midst of the 1929 Stock Market crash, Father Creane was the youngest son of Sarah and Patrick Creane, of County Mayo, Ireland, and Holyoke, MA. He was predeceased by his older brothers, Jack (Dolores) and Steve (Katie). Father Tony was a cherished figure, deeply beloved by his surviving sister-in-law, Katie Creane, and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and great-grandnieces and nephews. His long and close 60-year friendship with Clem (deceased) and Margaret Danylowitz, and their children, was a testament to his enduring loyalty and warmth. He also was a loving mentor to Father John Salatino, of St Mark's in Pittsfield, MA. Tony excelled in sports during his school years at Holyoke Catholic High School, demonstrating prowess and leadership in both football and basketball. He was inducted into the Holyoke Catholic Basketball Hall of Fame '48. These early athletic pursuits laid the foundation for a lifelong love of activity, later expanding to include skiing and golf, a sport he continued to enjoy weekly well into his early 90s. He was also an enthusiastic and devoted Patriots fan. Following high school, Father Creane studied for two years at the College of the Holy Cross before transferring in 1950 to the Grant Seminaire De Montreal. In 1952 he continued his priestly formation at St. John's Seminary in Brighton. Fr. Tony was ordained to the priesthood on February 2, 1956 at St. Michael Cathedral in Springfield. He was briefly assigned to Holy Trinity Parish in Greenfield. From 1956 – 1965 he was assigned to St. Michael Cathedral in Springfield. During his time in Springfield, Fr. Tony was the Athletic Director to the Cathedral High School as well as the head of the Drama Club. From 1965 – 1972 Fr. Tony was assigned to St. Francis Parish in North Adams. From 1972 – 1978 Fr. Tony was named Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in East Hampton. From 1978 – 1999 Father Tony was named Pastor of St. Mary's in Westfield. Reverend Creane dedicated his life to his faith, his community, and his chosen vocation. He loved the mission of the church and taking care of those with the fewest resources. Throughout his career, he demonstrated vision and practical ingenuity in addressing the needs of his parishes. He was known for his open-minded approach to finding resources and solutions to difficult problems, successfully spearheading initiatives such as bringing air conditioning to St Mary'schurch and school through an ingenious row of small outdoor units aligned like modern flying buttresses outside the walls. A gifted fundraiser, Father Tony skillfully placed his parishes on solid financial ground. Perhaps one of his most significant achievements was his ability to bridge divides and reunite a parish that had been fragmented along ethnic lines, fostering a sense of unity and belonging. Father Tony's adventurous spirit led him on worldwide travels, most often in the delightful company of Clem and Margaret Danylowitz. Their shared adventures ranged from an initial journey to the Alps and Mallorca, to far-flung destinations like Kyoto, Rio de Janeiro (where he visited his brother Steve), Buenos Aires, along with many other countries in Eastern and Western Europe. Beyond his pastoral duties and global explorations, Father Tony took immense delight in hosting his extended family and close friends at a small, rustic cabin in the Vermont mountains, a retreat he shared with Fr. Cy Burns. These gatherings, whether winter ski trips or summer barbecues and swims in Lake Raponda, were filled with laughter and camaraderie. It was at this beloved cabin "Snow-A-Way" that he famously introduced his nieces and nephews, who affectionately considered him a "rock star," to his surprisingly gourmet beef stroganoff and chocolate mousse, conjured from the tiny cabin kitchen. Reverend Anthony Creane was a truly generous and thoughtful man. After the passing of his older brothers, he became a strong and loving father figure to his nieces and nephews, offering guidance and support. His legacy is one of unwavering devotion to his faith and priesthood, innovative leadership, profound friendships, and a deep, abiding love for his family and close friends. He will be intensely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. A viewing will be held at St. Mary's Church, Bartlett St. in Westfield on July 31, from 5-7 p.m. and the funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Church on August 1 at 11 a.m. followed by Rites of Committal in St. Mary's Cemetery, Westfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Mary's Parish and Holy Cross College in Father Tony's memory. www.firtionadams.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. Anthony J. Creane, please visit our floral store.