Obituary of Walter W Craig

Walter William Craig, (72), affectionately known as Walt, passed away peacefully on May 20th, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Victoria Craig (nee Gilbert); his children, Allyson Hirsch (Jonathan), Walter Connor Craig (Samantha) and Austin Craig; his granddaughters, Emerson, Addison, Madeleine, and Charlotte; his brothers, James (Julie) Craig and Robert (Margaret) Craig; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Walter Craig and his mother, Thelma Craig (nee Anderson). Walt held their memory close to his heart. Their influence shaped his character and the principles he steadfastly upheld throughout his life. Walt was a lifelong resident of Cape May County. He honorably served his country in the Navy in the Vietnam War. After returning home from his tour of duty, he attended Stockton College where he earned his Bachelors in Historical Studies. Walt also devoted himself to his community in various ways. His passion for service began when volunteering as a coach with the Greater Wildwood Little League. Coach Walt was well known and loved by his "little leaguers", inspiring young players with his wisdom and love of the game. Over the course of his life, he held various positions, such as working as the Juvenile Intake Director/Project Director for the County of Cape May, Coordinator for the Victim Witness Program at the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office and most recently, Family Case Manager for the Cape May County Family Crisis Assessment Team. Through the years, Walt has served on numerous committees within Cape May County such as the Family Services Advisory Commission, the Adolescent Task Force, the Adolescent Coordination Team, the Alcohol Providers Advisory Committee, President of Cape May County Juvenile Aid Officers Association, and the Cape May County Regular Republican Organization. Walt continued to be involved in local community organization efforts to advance and advocate for youth sports and the expansion of recreational opportunities for the children of Lower Township. This culminated in his service as Mayor of Lower Township from 2005-2009 where he devoted much of his efforts towards these goals. Beyond his notable career in public service, Walt's most cherished roles were that of husband, father and grandfather. To his granddaughters, he was affectionately known as "Poppop"; their Santa Claus at Christmas time, endless supplier of sweet treats and their favorite storybook reader. Walt leaves behind an indelible mark on his community, his friends and most importantly, his family. His spirit lives on in the lives of those who loved him and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of service and love will continue to inspire and guide those he has left behind. A memorial service to celebrate Walt's life will take place on Wednesday, May 29th at Evoy's Funeral Home, 3218 Bayshore Road, North Cape May. Friends and the public are invited to come at 9:30a and there will be a service starting at 11:00. His interment will be private at Cape May County Veterans Cemetery.A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to consider making donations to the Lower Township VFW and DAV chapters.