Denis J. Craine, of East Hampton, was best remembered by his many friends during a recent funeral mass as a community activist who stood up for the causes he believed in. During the 56 years of his too-short but inspiring life, he became involved in civil rights and tolerance issues, chairing the East Hampton Anti-Bias Task Force, and he organized the "Race Against Racism," an annual 5K event. He also organized the annual "Freedom Ride," busing high school students around to historical landmarks of the civil rights movement.
Three years ago, Craine became ill with Lou Gehrig's Disease, which he bravely battled until his death last Wednesday at Southampton Hospital.
Last August, his life was praised by the thousands of people who showed up for a benefit concert held in his honor at East Hampton High School. Over $200,000 was raised for Craine and his family at this spectacular event, which showcased the musical talents of fellow supporters Paul Simon, Garland Jeffries, Phoebe Snow, and Suzanne Vega, among others.
"Denis was a very involved and caring person," said Richard Locascio, a close friend from East Hampton. "He taught me a lot about life and death, about how to live, and die, with integrity."
Extra Help
Locascio said he first met Craine about the time he was first diagnosed with ALS, and he saw how Craine declined from being fairly mobile to the time when he could no longer take care of himself. "From this experience, we founded, along with Ed Qualter, an organization called Share the Care," said Locascio. "When Denis got so ill that he needed extra help, we got a group of volunteers to help his family with the cooking, cleaning, shopping, and taking care of his kids."
Locascio recalled how this volunteer group grew from 16 to 70 people. "So many people got so much out of helping Denis and his family, while asking nothing in return," he said. "Denis took this suffering and turned it into a positive thing for everyone around." He said his group could do similar things for other families in need.
East Hampton Schools' Interim Superintendent, Noel McStay, who worked with Craine on several projects with students, said, "We announced his passing at our faculty in-service day, where the topic was about multicultural concerns. This was a perfect time to think of Denis, since there wasn't a bigger champion of multicultural issues and concerns than Denis. A year ago, we gave him a plaque for his involvement in the community and diversity within it."
McStay added, "He was a person who always championed the plight of the underdog, and who always took the time to listen to the issues, to think about what an ideal world would be, no matter what the popular beliefs at the time."
Large Crowd Bids Farewell
Craine, who made his living as a massage therapist, was also co-director of the Wilderness Experience, a nonprofit organization geared toward racial and multicultural awareness, and he was involved in Project ALS, to help others inflicted with Lou Gehrig's Disease.
Crane was born in Queens on April 5, 1946, joining seven brothers and sisters, to Anthony and Freda Craine. He studied to become a licensed massage therapist, and married Lisa Karsten. They had three children, in addition to two from Craine's previous marriage.
Denis Craine is survived by his wife and his children -- Jesse, 26, Dylan, 23, Dakota, 15, Tiaghe, 9, and Cella, 7 -- as well as by three sisters and two brothers. His parents are deceased.
A wake was held last Friday at Yardley & Pino Funeral Home in Sag Harbor, and a mass was held on Saturday at Most Holy Trinity Church in East Hampton, attended by about 500 people. The larger than usual crowd caused the service to be changed to the church's Parish House to accommodate all the guests. The service was performed by Rev. Donald Desmond, Rev. Andrew Blake, and Monsignor Ronald Richardson.
The family asks that any donations be sent to Ride For Life, 18 Grandview Blvd., Miller Place, New York 11764.