Obituary of Gerald L. Craig

Gerald L. Craig, 69, beloved husband of Gail Schiappacasse Craig, passed away October 13, 2022 at Bridgeport Hospital. He was born in Bridgeport to the late Dr. Robert and Felicia Craig on June 27, 1953. Gerry graduated from Trumbull High School and attended the University of New Haven studying fire science under Dr. Henry Lee. He worked in the insurance industry rising to the position of Senior General Adjuster. He traveled nationally to work on large losses and disasters, specializing in fire and arson investigation. His "claim to fame" was that he attended Woodstock at the young age of 16. He loved to share his memories of that iconic event.

He and Gail shared a passion for homeless animals. Together in 1996, they founded the Friends of the Bridgeport Animal Shelter. He was chairman of the Shelton Animal Shelter Building Committee and instrumental in the state of the art design. He was an active volunteer and docent at CT's Beardsley Zoo and served on the Board of Directors for over 20 years. He was also on the Board of Recovery Network of Programs. He was a Friend of Bill W's for over 25 years. Through all of his challenges, he lived by the motto of never choosing to be a victim. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his devoted and loving wife Gail of 39 years, he is survived by his siblings Robin Kristoff, James Craig and John Craig and his wife Lori, his nieces Kylie and Camryn, his cousins-in-law, Jim and Evelyn Pond and their children Chris, Jeff and Julie, and his 3 rescued pit bulls, Clancy, Lizzie and Allie. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Chuck Craig and his mother-in-law Dorothy Pond Schiappacasse.

A funeral service will be held at North Park Baptist Church, 5200 Park Ave, Bridgeport on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 11am. Friends may call on Monday, October 24, 2022 from 4-7 at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd, Trumbull. Interment will be private.

For those desiring, donations may be made in Gerry's memory to CT's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, beardsleyzoo.org, BARC-CT Animal Rescue 857 Post Rd #235 Fairfield, CT 06824, barc-ct.org or Halfway Home Animal Rescue, 400 Universal Dr. N, North Haven, CT 06473, http://halfwayhomerescue.org.