Craig Thomas Stella

Craig Thomas StellaDecember 21, 1951 ~ December 31, 2025

Craig Stella joined his heavenly family on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025. He was the beloved son of the late Mario L. Stella and Ann Stella.

Born in San Francisco, California, Craig was raised on the family ranch, surrounded by his large, close-knit, and loving Italian family. Those early years shaped his strong work ethic, generosity, and lifelong love of family, food, and craftsmanship.

Craig was a proud graduate of Santa Rosa High School, Class of 1970, where he played on the football team and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. From an early age, he showed a natural curiosity and talent for how things worked. He had a deep love of cars, airplanes, mechanics, cooking, welding, and music — and there truly wasn’t much he couldn’t fix. If something was broken, Craig was the one you called.

A devoted aviation enthusiast, Craig especially enjoyed air shows, including Wings Over Wine Country in Santa Rosa and the famous Reno Air Races. These events brought him joy, excitement, and a sense of wonder that never faded.

Craig also had a gift for cooking. His homemade BBQ sauce and ribs were legendary and cherished by all who were lucky enough to enjoy them. He was equally proud of his pizza, which many agreed was simply the best. Feeding people was one of the ways Craig showed love.

He was formerly employed by Franco American, Eagle Distributing, and Santa Rosa Steel, where he worked as a state-certified welding expert specializing in MIG and TIG welding. His precise work with steel and aluminum reflected his patience, skill, and pride in doing things the right way. Craig earned his welding certifications at Santa Rosa Junior College and was widely respected for his craftsmanship and professionalism.

Craig is survived by his loving son, Mario T. Stella; his sister, Shelley Magill and husband Rodger; and his brother, Blair Stella. He also leaves behind his cherished grandson, Vincenzo, and Vincenzo’s mother, Serena Stella. Craig is further survived by his niece, Lisa Sanders and her husband Brian, and great-nieces and nephew Jasmine, Evie, and Nathan, all of whom he loved dearly.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Santa Rosa Memorial Park Chapel, 1900 Franklin Avenue, Santa Rosa, California.

Craig will be remembered for his generous heart, remarkable skills, infectious enthusiasm, and the deep love he had for his family. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.