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Craig Zeis Obituary

ZEIS - Craig B. September 10, 2008. Dearest father of Craig D. and Cheyanne A. Zeis; son of Charles H. Sr. and Charlotte F. (Chilton) Zeis; brother of Charlotte (Tony) Conway and Charles H. Zeis; uncle of DevIn E. and Courtney A. Conway and Charles H. Zeis. No prior visitation. Private services. Arrangements by ERIE COUNTY CREMATION SERVICE, 824-6435.

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Published by Buffalo News on Sep. 11, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Craig Zeis

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Vinny Burgio

April 3, 2022

Craig a good man a true Friend I miss you a good Buddy

Robert Mcgreevy

September 19, 2017

I miss my best and old friend I was fortunate to have the honor and privilege to be neibors and experience life with craig ! I'm so glad that in his last months we spent much time talking of memory's and being together with him and his illness. I miss him a lot and will always cherish my second family Charles and Charlottte were mentors to me always were encouraging and loving to me god bless craig and his family
Your eternal friend!!

September 29, 2009

Gosh I have been thinking about you alot lately. I miss you a lot and I know you are up there partying with Sue right now! But just know that we all miss you and think of you everyday!

September 11, 2009

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

You Are Missed Today & Everyday Craig

Kathie Bechmann

September 10, 2009

I only recently found out about Craig's passing and it made me so sad. So sad for him that his life was cut so much shorter than it should of been, and sad for the rest of the world who will no longer benefit from his presence.

I knew Craig from Sweet Home Cafe back in the late 80s and early 90s. 'Spike' always had a way of putting a smile on everyone's face just by his being there. I remember my mother coming out to see all the people that I 'used to spend so much time with' and Craig was one of the first to sit down and talk with her and made her feel right at home.

My mom's in heaven now and I'm sure she greeted him and helped make him feel at home as well.

Whenever I hear the song 'Father Figure' by George Michael, I always think of Craig. It was a song he sang to me when I was feeling really down and he knew it was just what I needed.

I'm sure he now, has just the peace he needs.

Marge Jones

June 23, 2009

Craig and I attended school together from kinder to Grad. He was the boy whose sparkling eyes and charming smile made you want to stay around him forever. He walked me home whenever the 'bullies' wanted to pick on me. In the 13 yrs. I knew him I never have ever seen him in a bad mood, always laughing, cheerful. God only takes the angels. I love you, 'zeister', you will always be with me where ever I go....

Russell Russo

May 4, 2009

hey Craig was allways a kewl friend.
and the life of the party. so we will miss him.

Lynda Kwasnik

April 27, 2009

I only recently learned about Craig and I can’t stop thinking about him and his family and children (and all the people who loved him). I’m so deeply sorry for your loss.

I met Craig at Maplemere Elementary school at a time when boys were “gross”. He enamored me with his warmth and goofy charm (even though I wouldn’t admit it most of the time) and eventually became my first boyfriend. Our relationship was sweet and innocent and a friendship that lasted for many years. I’m sad we lost touch and that life just moved us in different directions.

My family moved seven times in eight years and somehow Craig always found us. He always arrived with a big smile, full of mischief and fun. Making people laugh but never at someone’s expense. He seemed to really have a way of seeing and appreciating the beauty inside of people (especially girls LOL). I always saw him as a free spirit – never quite knowing what he’d be up to next.

I remember him really looking up to his older brother and being so proud to have such a beautiful sister. I remember his parents driving us sometimes in the coolest car that actually talked “The door is ajar”. I remember Craig loved going to the movies, even if it was on his own. We even went once to see a cartoon!

I remember trick-or-treating, Jim Morrison, Jack Nicholson, The Boulevard Mall, The Cars “Shake It Up”, “Turning Japanese”, going to his brother’s wedding, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, meeting up in Toronto with his cousin from Mississauga… so many memories. Like a time when he came over while my mom was still at work. We were sitting down and for whatever reason he was actually interested in reading some poetry I had written. I felt a bit silly (I guess poetry is pretty sappy), but he was so genuinely interested in it. I was touched. Just then my mother came home from work and he was so nervous that he ran and hid in a closet! He must have been in there for a good twenty minutes as I was trying to distract my mom so Craig could sneak out. She must have had a sixth sense because before I knew it she went right toward the closet door and said, “Lynda, who’s in the closet?” I didn’t know what to say as she tried opening the door (which didn’t open because Craig was holding it closed from the other side). Eventually she got it open and then as if he were answering the front door of his own house, Craig reached out his hand to shake hers and said, “Hello Mrs. Kwasnik, how are you?”.

My mom’s in heaven too now – I imagine they’re having a good laugh and smiling down on us.

Jonathan Lee

April 9, 2009

The news of Craig's passing came as a shock to those who knew him. I will always remember the gleam in his eye and the smile on his face when the two of us would banter.

He will be missed.

Dave Pignato

April 9, 2009

To the Zeis family,
My deepest condolences on your loss. Craig and I went to school together, and although I havent seen him in years, the memories of the good times still live on. Rest in peace Craig....Your friend, Dave

November 26, 2008

"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere."

Rene' Aguglia

November 17, 2008

I also want to thank the person or people who have helped craigs guest book continue, through you, old friends were able to reconnect and keep craigs memory a live. Thank you. Craig, Thank you for wonderful memories and the laughter that made you cry, I will always smile when i think of you. See you on the other side, til then.....R

Nancy King

November 15, 2008

I saw this quote and thought of Craig...We do not stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.

Cheyanne Zeis

November 14, 2008

dad i love u and u faught alot of demons though out ur whole life but now the battle is ove R.I.P

Jan Borman

November 13, 2008

Charlie, Charlotte and famly,

My deepest condolences on the loss of your son Craig. May he rest in peace.

All of Your Friends

November 9, 2008

Thank You for the Laughter You Gave.
Thank You for the Memories
Thank You for the Friends you brought back together
Thank You for Being You

Thank you for the laughter craig

November 9, 2008

nancy king

November 8, 2008

happy trails my friend...until we meet again!

Lu D'Amico

October 27, 2008

THANK YOU to Craig's "Anonymous" friend whose generosity has maintained this Guest Book on-line so that we may all continue to express our love, and share our many happy memories of Craig.
This Guest Book is a good indication of the oh-so-many people whose lives were touched by Craig's caring and sense of humor.
But only YOU have given him, and us, this gift.
He is lucky to have had you in his life, and you obviously feel the same about him.
See you at Craig's Celebration!
Thank You again, and God bless you.

CHARLES ZEIS

October 13, 2008

THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE. LIFE IS PAIN.LOVE STOPS THE PAIN.CRAIG MY BROYHER I MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU.IM GLAD WE HAD THE CHANCE TO GET CLOSER IN THE LAST YEARS.YOUR THE BEST CRAIG ZEIS.

christopher labaj

October 9, 2008

Goodbye my friend.

scott & nancy (murray) king

October 5, 2008

craig zeis memorial november 9th, 1pm sweet home cafe (average joes) 2350 sweet home road pain heals, chicks dig scars...GLORY lasts forever!

Craig and Lynne and Lisa

September 27, 2008

Craig and Lisa

September 27, 2008

Craig being .....Craig

September 27, 2008

I will always remember him like this

September 27, 2008

Friends at Sweet Home

September 27, 2008

Halloween

September 27, 2008

The Old Gang

September 27, 2008

Craig being Craig

September 27, 2008

Lisa,Lynn & Craig at Sweet Home

September 27, 2008

picture of Craig in school

September 27, 2008

Russell Russo

September 27, 2008

Hey Craig was a funney guy and allways happy. i will miss him but i will rember the good times like my gread party when i got out of high school.

Dawn Russo

September 26, 2008

It has been a long time since I last saw Craig. He had the brightest smile, a sparkle in his eyes and a fantastic sense of humor. Whenever I think of him, several things come to mind, like the crazy outfits he wore-the "zubas", boots, or checkered sneakers, and his "special" Christmas outfits-whatever off the wall boxers my mom used to buy him over his dress clothes. He was not afraid to express himself! I am glad that he was a part of our family and that I got to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his kids.
Craig, I hope you are at peace, and we'll meet again on the other side!

Mark Williams

September 26, 2008

To the Zeis Family,

I remember Craig fondly from Sweet Home and the many years of being in homeroom with him. Although many years have passed, I still recall having laughs with him.

He is in my thoughts and prayers as is your family during this time.

God bless.

Tony Milone

September 25, 2008

Mr. & Mrs Zeis and Family. I am sorry for your loss. Craig was one of my 1st and best friends when I moved to Frankhauser and started Maplemere in 2nd grade. We trick or treated together year after year. Craig and I stayed close and spent most of our after school time and summers hanging out with our friends until High School was over. He truly had a gift for making me and others laugh. He will be greatly missed.

Tony

Carrie Wenninger

September 25, 2008

I haven't seen Craig since high school, but I recall his easy laugh, his ready smile and his very old soul from homeroom...all these many years later. You're on to the next great adventure, Craig... Thinking of you fondly...

Ben Vogt

September 25, 2008

Craig was the closest person i knew as a father figure growing up. I regret losing contact for so long. I miss him dearly and he will forever remain in my memory. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Mariah Partsch

September 24, 2008

I just wanted to say that Craig was the best stepfather one could ask for. I remember a time I would have loved for him to be able to walk me down the aisle. He was always there through my troubling teenage years and he meant the world to me. He was a great grampa toad to my daughter and will be missed greatly. I love you Craig and miss you dearly!

dawn whiting and paul

September 21, 2008

mr&mrs zeis,I am so truly sorry to hear about craig. he was a great person and held a special place in mine and pauls heart.we are here if you need anything! I will be mailing you a letter with my phone # please , I hope you will call me. God bless you both.

Catch you on the other side buddy

September 20, 2008

Carol

September 19, 2008

Your candle burned out long before your legend ever did.

Where do I begin? There are so many memories of you that I shall always treasure. You brought happiness and laughter to every life you touched. I have never known another soul as kind, caring and loving as you.

You have finally found your peace.

You have not gone~for when I look up to the sky and see the brightest star shining in the heavens, I know that it's you. I see your smile in every ray of sunshine and hear your voice in the wind.

There is a place in my heart where you will live forever. I know we will all be together again one day.

I'm going to miss you. Go in peace.
Shine on, you Crazy Diamond
And as always, I love you.

Dad, Mom & Chey

September 17, 2008

Daddy & his Little Girl

September 17, 2008

I'm gonna miss you .....

September 17, 2008

Chillin'

September 17, 2008

Remembering

September 17, 2008

a smile that I hope we all remember

September 16, 2008

Russ & Helen Coran

September 16, 2008

We wish to express our deepest condolences to the family; our thoughts & prayers are with you. It has been many years since we have seen Craig, but we surely remember him. Hold dear the precious memories, may they sustain you in the days ahead.
--May his memory be eternal...

craig just being a goof as usual

September 16, 2008

Amy Aurelio-Seiler

September 16, 2008

Dear Mr & Mrs Zeis,
I still am not believing this news I just received of Craigs passing. My heart just aches and I am so so sorry for your loss. Through lifes ups and downs Craig had an endless smile and sense of humor. He has always held a very special place in my heart and I always have and always will think of him, Peace is his life's ultimate reward. My prayers to you and your family may you live with the joy that you had a most wonderful son who was deeply loved and will be endlessly missed!

September 16, 2008

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Tom Heinzmann

September 16, 2008

The grand essentials to happiness in this life are Someone to Love, Some Where to Give Back and Something to hold on to. Craig provided this to all of us... RIP my friend

Grace Aurilio-Peters

September 15, 2008

To the Zeis family: I am very sorry for your loss. Craig was my protector when I went to summer school at Sweet Home my freshman year. He walked me to my class, walk by and sang Lionel Richies hello, came and got me after class and then walked me to the bus to make sure I was okay. He was always making me laugh and we had a lot of good times together in the old neighborhood. Even after all these years everytime I go by the house I can't help but smile.
God bless you and your family at the difficult time.
Godspeed Craig-RIP

this was one of the pics i had of my dad

Cheyanne Zeis

September 14, 2008

I dont know alot of people that signed this but my mom did and i know how u feel he was a great friend and a great dad to me and craig we will miss him dearly i hope to see you again some day but atleast your with all your friends now

jennifer and jerry roeser/colman

September 14, 2008

craig was truly someone who just wanted to make people laugh. I cant remember one time where he was in my presence that i was'nt laughing. to all the hughes and craig david u truly amaze me on how strong of a family you guys really are. to this very day i will always think about david,brian and now craig. our thoughts and prayers are with you always.

michael falzone

September 14, 2008

Mr and Mrs Zeis it was heart breaking hearing the news,Its tuff not to break out crying each time I think of him and realize he is really gone.knowing him was to LOVE HIM.I am going to miss all our hilarious calls.It was a privilege to call him my best friend and family.All the female angles in heaven are already fighting over him.From my wife and I you are all in our prayers.Michael Falzone

craig zeis

September 14, 2008

dad i love now ur with david

Paul Kroll

September 13, 2008

Zeis Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss,Craig always had a smile, and accepted everyone.We will truly miss him.

Candy Redmond

September 13, 2008

Iam so sorry for your loss. Craig and I used to work at the sweet home cafe together. He always made me laugh he will be missed. Our sympathy to you and your family

Mark & Darlene (Jones ) Noworyta

September 13, 2008

Dear Zeis Family, We are very sorry for your loss. Craig will always be remembered in our hearts and memory. I must say that he was Sweet Homes #1 class clown . He loved to crack jokes and make everyone laugh & smile. Craig was a wonderful person and we are proud to have known him. Please accept our deepest condolences .. God Bless you all..

September 13, 2008

A Free Spirit wrapped inside a Warm Heart!

He was outgoing, caring, friendly, and fun.

He will always be a part of our family, and I will always think of him with fond and Happy memories.

Craig,
Your Spirit has taken flight, and you are truly free. ROCK ON!
See you in that big movie theater in the sky!
Love & Peace,
Lu

P.S. Thanks for the "Cheesey" eggs!

JAIMEELYNN TRUJILLO

September 13, 2008

CRAIG,
I LOVE YOU AND I ALWAYS WILL, U LIVE ON IN THE SECRET CHAMBERS OF MY HEART!!!!!!!!!! I MISS YOU!!!!!!! MR. AND MRS. ZEIS IM SO SORRY

Krista Maggio - Mansell

September 13, 2008

When I think of Craig I remember his always beaming smile and how he laughed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

I LUV YOU

Cheyanne

September 12, 2008

Dad I will miss u dearly all the memories we shared I will charish till I die and im sure Craig will do the same I LOVE YOU R.I.P

Kim (Jamison) Andrews

September 12, 2008

To Craig's family, friends & loved ones...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss

I haven't seen Craig in almost 20 years, but I will always remember the good times we had. May your memories give you some comfort as you go through this difficult time.

Tim Siderakis

September 12, 2008

Craig was a childhood friend. We grew up in the same neighborhood and stayed friendly to eachother even as we grew and went down different paths and with different groups. No matter what, Craig would always take the time to laugh with me either over a childhood memory or about something current that entertained us. My memories of Craig are all fond ones. My deepest condolences for his passing and to those who survived him. Rest in peace my friend!

Scott Eberle

September 12, 2008

Craig,
Whenever I reminisce about all of the fond memories in elementary school (Maplemere), inevitably I find myself laughing at something crazy you did. My wife and son never met you but certainly know who you are. Rest in peace my friend.

Nikki Cashan

September 12, 2008

For all of Craig's friends & family, I share in your sorrow & grief. You are in my prayers. I have so many fond & funny memories that Craig has left me with. Not a thought of him can pass without putting a smile on my face and a laugh in my heart. I am so thankful that my life was touched by this wonderful, kind, & fun loving man. I think back today... and I am reminded by Craig, life is to short to be so serious. We should take more time to laugh with the ones we love & share our lives with. We should live each day to the fullest and have a stronger zest for life. Thank you my friend for leaving me with such great memories. I will see you again some day to sit & laugh together about the wonderful times we shared. Much, much love....you will be missed.

Lisa Parisi

September 12, 2008

Dear Mr & Mrs Zeis, & Family

I am so sorry to here about Craigs passing he was a great person funny giving and loving to everyone he knew. When I think about all the old times growing up in the neighborhood it puts a smile on my face. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and his children.

Lori Corica

September 12, 2008

Craig,
We were great friends that drifted apart over the years as friends do but you will always be missed.
My deepest heartfelt condolences to all of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

September 11, 2008

Much love and warm memories to Craig and His Family

September 11, 2008

Much love and sorrow to Craig and His Family

Rose Wlodarczyk (McCarthy)

September 11, 2008

To the Zeis Family:
My Deepest Sympathy in your time of sorrow. He will surely be missed. His laughter and jokes always brightened a room and I will always remember when he would make me mad and laugh at the same time. He was a big part of my life and I still love telling stories about when I used to bartend with him at the Sweet Home Cafe. I'm sure he is still making someone laugh in heaven.

Marissa Bailey

September 11, 2008

Craig,
what an amazing guy he was from what I heard from his parents and his nephew who's a very great person.
Craig you will be forever in everyone's hearts and remember the good times everyone had with you.
I know you will be smiling at everyone.

Rene Aguglia

September 11, 2008

To the entire Zeis family, the beautiful children he leaves behind, the friends he has made life fun for, the women he made SMILE, and all the lives he has touched, I hope you all have good memories to keep, kind words to speak, and remember him for the free spirit he was. I will truely miss you buddy, the memories i have of you will keep me smiling until we meet again.

Bridget Mazierski

September 11, 2008

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Zeis Family. We were deeply saddened by the news of craigs passing. Craig had a great love of life, an infectious smile, and a great sense of humor. I'm sure he was greeted with open arms by Brian and Dave. All of us will always look back and remember all the great times we had together. We love you Craig, God Bless You! You will be greatly missed. Until we meet again may the angels watch over you and protect you. Sweet dreams my friend rest in peace.

Bridget (Mahoney)& Ken Mazierski
& Sylvia Mahoney

Angie Catalano

September 11, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Kimberly Pew and Jennifer Robbins-Roser

September 11, 2008

To the Zeis Family, Craig was one of the most wonderful and funniest people we ever had the pleasure to know. He was always quick to make people laugh out loud and he will always make the best Bettle Juice ever. Craig we miss you dearly. The guys are back together again.

Lisa Coran - Massaro

September 11, 2008

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Zeis and family, we are so deeply saddened by Craig's passing, we have so many precious memories of our times with Craig, he never failed to be there with the biggest hugs and brightest smiles, he was a dear friend and always new how to make us laugh. He was such a bright and caring soul and our lives were better for knowing and loving him. He was like part of the family when he came for dinner and had us all choking on our goulash, we will meet him again in a better place and we will embrace as always.....We love you Craig. Lisa & Lynne....your blonde bookends....

Michelle Cunninham

September 11, 2008

To the Zies family im so sorry for your loss, Craig was a great person to be around he will be greatly missed

STEVEN COOPER

September 11, 2008

WE'LL MISS YOU BUD
STEV AND CHERYL

Denise Labaj

September 11, 2008

Mr and Mrs Zeis i am so deeply sadened to hear about craig. He was a wonderful person who really knew how to make a person laugh and smile . We had alot of great times together that i will forever cherish in my heart. I am so glad i stopped over to see him a few months ago , we talked about old times , old friends and laughed for hours . I WILL MISS YOU CRAIG , LOVE YOUR FRIEND FOREVER , Denise Labaj

Kristy Oswald

September 11, 2008

This is very sad news. Craig was one of my favorite friends, he always made me laugh. I truly loved Craig and he will always have a special place in my heart. I know he is at peace right now with his friends at his side. Craig will be very sadly missed, I will never forget him. I love you Craig - Kristy

erica sander

September 11, 2008

craig was a wonderful person. He always brighten up a room and always made you laugh. he will be missed.

Arlene Labaj

September 11, 2008

To The Zeis Family, I'm so sorry to hear of Craig's passing. I remember all the times he spent at our house as a teenager with my children and I will always remember him walking up the front walk with his beautiful, happy smile. God is holding Craig in the palm of His hand in Heaven. - The Labaj Family.

CINDY CRAPO

September 11, 2008

CHARLIE & CHAROLET
ARE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
DON & CINDY CRAPO (DICKINSON)

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