Deacon John Joseph Cremin, 87, died on Monday, Dec. 26, 2022. He was born Sept. 23, 1935, in New York City, the son of John and Hannah “Joan” (O’Keefe) Cremin. He served in the United States Army and married Beatrice Zloch on May 14, 1961.

Deacon Cremin served at St. Mary Catholic Church in Alma, now Nativity of the Lord Parish in St. Louis, for over 40 years. He was a dedicated disciple of Jesus and oversaw many of the parish’s faith formation ministries. Deacon Cremin was a loving husband, father and grandfather, a member of the Knights of Columbus, an avid Notre Dame fan and a scholar who earned multiple master’s degrees.  He was known for being kind and appreciative, always saying "thank you.”

Dr. Dan Osborn, Coordinator of Permanent Diaconate Formation and Ministry, shared: "What struck many people about Deacon Cremin was his simple goodness. He genuinely loved to serve others. Not long before he died, I asked him about his favorite aspect of being a permanent deacon and he said, 'The ministries that I have found especially meaningful have been visiting the shut-ins and the sick, including hospital ministry.' He truly had a servant's heart.”

Deacon Cremin is survived by his wife Bea, children John Cremin, Chris (Doug) Mellinger, Jennifer (Grant) McGervey, grandchildren Hannah, Sarah, Nick, Abby, Gracie and Rachel, sibling Sister Mary Christine Cremin, RSM, and many nieces and nephews.

Deacon Cremin was preceded in death by his parents, John and Joan, infant brother Daniel Cremin and special aunt Ellen O’Keefe.

A Mass of Christian burial was held Dec. 30, 2022, at Nativity of the Lord Parish, Mount St. Joseph site. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery, Alma.

May Deacon Cremin rest in eternal peace.