This was posted on the Craviotto site:
It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Master Craftsman, mentor, and friend, Johnny Craviotto. Johnny left us on July 15th, 2016.
Johnny was, and always will be, the world’s finest drum craftsman. No one had his knowledge, his skill, and his passion for his craft. He created instruments of incredible sonic and visual beauty, and those instruments have graced stages, recording studios, and collections worldwide. His contribution to the world of drum building has been without equal.
We are truly fortunate that as the heart and soul of the Craviotto Drum Company it was vitally important to Johnny to pass along his skills, honed over a lifetime, and his innovations in the art and craft of drum building to his trusted colleagues and protégés at Craviotto, so that the "Craviotto-way" could carry on for the next generation. This living art is his legacy. Please celebrate it with us"
Please read about the life and times of Johnny in this wonderful article that Bob Campbell wrote. (click on picture)