- Welcome to Sweeney and Beverly Life Celebration Services, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Joseph Cranmer
Everybody knew what came first for Joe: he was a family man through and through. He instilled his values in his kids and set expectations high. They knew he’d be by their side every step of the way. He never missed an event and coached them in many sports. Of course, he loved all the kids just as much as his own: wins and losses were never as important as every kid playing. And as a grandfather he was just as committed; it didn’t matter how far away the event was, you could count on Joe to be there. Joe looked forward to the days he could babysit his eight grandchildren. He was happy to change diapers when they were young, sneak them all the treats they wanted, or load them up with toys from the flea market, “free market” as they knew it. Often, they wouldn’t want to leave and go home because they had such a good time with “Pop”. He was active in his community as well: an usher at Jesus the Good Shepherd, catcher for the local Men’s Senior Baseball league, and previous Commander at the American Legion Post 146. After joining VFW Post 3020, Joe served in many roles including Vice Commander, Honor Guard and Deputy Vice Commander. He was honored as Parade Marshall at the Riverside Memorial Day Parade in 2022. His real colors shone through in his professional life: he was a proud independent business owner of Sunset Hairstyling, easily located by the traditional barber pole spinning out front. Joe’s barber shop harkened back to a simpler time. A nostalgic place where locals could kick back and discuss a little sports and a little politics, get a hot towel and straight razor shave and look and feel great on the way out the door. If his T.V was on he’d most likely be cheering for the Phils, the Eagles and the Sixers. Joe was a patriot and served our nation in the Army from 1963-1967.
He’d meet a pretty girl named Judy on a blind date. Their marriage of 53 years was full of family trips to the Poconos, day trips to the shore with a stop to enjoy pepper-and-egg sandwiches and road trips in the big blue family van with the Philadelphia sports radio blaring. If there was music playing, you could find Joe and Judy on the dance floor celebrating with close friends. Joe and Judy are blessed with three children: Tanya Cranmer (John Orr), Tammy Cordwell (Barry) and Joseph (Amanda); and later by grandchildren, Nicholas, Nathan, Brendan, Kaylee, Joshua, Jon Michael, Justin and Jordan. He is survived by his sisters, Frances Beideman and Ruth Cranmer.
Come celebrate 78 great years Thursday 6-8 p.m. and Friday 9-10 a.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 10:30 a.m. at Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, St. Joseph Church, Beverly. Interment St. Peter Cemetery, Riverside.
10 Comments
So sorry for your loss. words cannot express our sincere condolences to you and your family.i can say I am honored to have met and known your dad for a few years. and such a great human being, my family And I are sending prayers and thoughts to you and family . God bless.
Brian and Cheryl Ashton
You will be missed, Mr. Cranmer.
Dear Judy,
We were so very sad to learn of Joe’s passing. He fought such a brave battle with his illness. I will surely miss our chats on Politics and Sports. What a Beautiful Obituary! Please know that we are holding You and Your Family in Thought and Prayer today (Friday), and in the days to come. God Bless You with Comfort and Peace.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Joes family. We are saddened by the news of his passing.
Dear Tanya,
May each tear that you weep hold a memory that brings a smile to your face. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Love,
Beth Hayes
Dear Judy,
I was so sad to learn of Joe’s passing. He was a great guy,barber and business owner.
My sincere condolences and sympathy to you and your family.
Dave Costello
When my husband was suffering with Alzheimer’s, Joe and Judy were so kind and respectful. That was one place he didn’t mind going. May Joe RIP. Hugs to you, Judy.
Judy, Tanya, Tammy and Joseph: My heart ached as I found out that Joe had recently passed from this world. It definitely marks the end of an era in the Riverside, Delran, Delanco community where Joe had become such a dependable fixture. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been his friend over these many past years. He could always be depended upon to set an excellent example for his children, friends and fellow citizens, plus, he gave a good haircut as well! I know his persona will live on through his children, all of whom continue to espouse his same basic beliefs and practices of honesty, fairness and concern for others’ welfare. It is said that, for a man to have had a truly successful life, the world must have changed as a result of his presence in it. I can state emphatically that our world is definitely better because of his wonderful life.
We all miss Joe and I always appreciated the VFW Honor Guard coming to the Riverton War Memorial events !
Bob Smyth
Thank you all for your kind comments. I will share them with my mom, sister and brother.