Craig began his life’s journey on October 5, 1946 in Queens Hospital, New York via a scheduled cesarian birth to his wonderful, loving parents Solomon and Ruth Nasoff. Growing up on Long Island in Wantagh, NY with his beloved sister, Gloria, and her family living nearby he enjoyed playing baseball, swimming at Jones Beach, and rooting for the Yankees. After graduating from General Douglas MacArthur HS in 1964 he continued his education with an Economics degree from Upsala College in East Orange, NJ where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Upsilon fraternity.
His 40-year career of software development and management with IBM/Lockheed Martin began in Kingston, NY where he met his future bride of 51 years, Carol Black. They set up housekeeping in the small town of Saugerties, NY raising their two children, Kevin and Melanie, on a life of camping with neighbors and extended family, touring the eastern US, visiting grandparents and family in Florida and Ohio for holidays, and making lifelong friends at work, on the golf course, fishing, and playing softball.
In 1985 he was given the opportunity to work in Rome, Italy. Packing up the family he set off on the adventure of living abroad, learning a second language, traveling throughout Europe and adding to his list of friends.
At the end of their international assignment the family moved to Rockville, MD where Craig began working on the Air Traffic Control System. Future work assignments took him to England, Korea, and various cities across the US. While still loyal to the Yankees and Giants, he learned to embrace the Nats, Caps, and Redskins.
When they became empty nesters, he and Carol began traveling via camping, timeshares, cruises, and tours eventually visiting all 50 states, 6 continents, and enjoying many Caribbean island beaches.
After successfully marrying off their two children to excellent spouses, they began their true vocation of being grandparents to seven of the most wonderful kids on the planet. Family was always number one for Craig. He enjoyed taking the kids and grandkids to the beach, watching them perform, teaching them to play sports, with lots of hugs and cuddles along the way. How could you not love him?
His final years were not kind to him. Despite being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2010, he and Carol continued to travel as best they could. Eventually in 2017, he moved into Olney Assisted Living where he received excellent care and became a favorite with the staff with his easy smile and warm personality. COVID-19 quarantining limited visits in the last months, but blessedly the entire family (children, grandchildren, spouses, and fiancés) were able to visit on his last day. Carol was able to be with him when he passed peacefully in the early hours of July 23, 2020.
He was a great guy. Loved by many and liked by all. Intelligent. Patient. Kind. Honest. Loving. He was one of the good ones. We will miss him so much.
