Name: Wake for Craig Steven Birge
Start: 2021-01-30T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-01-30T22:00:00.000Z
Location: Ahern Funeral Home, Inc - Unionville

Craig Steven Birge, 61, of Unionville, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Tuesday, January 25, 2021. Born on May 6, 1959, Craig grew up in North Canton where he graduated from Canton High in 1977. He met his wife, Kimberly Birge, shortly after and later married on September 29, 1984. Growing up he spent most of his free time at Highland Lake at the cottage his grandfather built. Craig enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and NASCAR. Whenever possible, he loved any activity that involved his sons, Steven and Jared. He could always be found trying to teach them a new task. His children and their friends were truly his pride and joy. Where he was affectionately known as "Lumpy," Craig worked for the Town of Avon for 25 years before retiring in 2019. He spent his retirement working on home projects and with both of his sons. Craig is survived by his wife, Kimberly Birge; his two sons and their wives, Steven and Jackie and Jared and Ashley; and his beloved, grandson, Patrick; his siblings and their families, Rick and Laura Birge and their children, Ricky and Katie; Barb and Jerry Lathrop; Gary Birge; and Glen Birge and his daughters Julie, Missy and Jeana. And his in-laws; Donna and John, their children and spouses; Jeffrey and Ashley Zyjeski; Mike Zyjeski and his two daughters Brooklyn and Nicole; Dave Zyjeski; Charlie and Kate Zyjeski and their children Audrey and Thomas; Ron and Lisa Turner and their children Al and Elizabeth and Al's wife Lisa and their son Jacob; and Mark and Sandy Turner and their son, Neil. He is predeceased by his parents Dick and Reatha Birge. Craig's family will hold a wake in his honor at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Unionville on Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 3-5p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Valley Community Baptist Church at 590 West Avon Road, Avon, CT 06001.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Jan. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Craig Birge

Sponsored by the family.

17 Entries

Joanne Skinner

January 31, 2021

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Craig. My cousin is his neighbor and I can also testify that he was always looking out for her and her family. He was always there to lend a hand and his know-how. We had many conversations at the mailbox as well. He will be greatly missed.

Anne Ingvertsen

January 30, 2021

Kim, Boys and Birge Families
God Speed
Gene and Anne Ingvertsen

Lisa Colomb

January 30, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.many fond memories and adventures .. ( I was married to Kevin Colomb)

Deb Incillo

January 30, 2021

Haven't seen Craig in years, but back in the day, we all hung out at the same places and had fun. Sorry to read of Craig's passing so suddenly. Prayers to his wife and sons and to Craig's siblings, Rick, Gary, Glen and Barb. Ed and Deb Incillo

Mark Westerling

January 30, 2021

Great guy and classmate. RIP Hacker.

Jennifer Bennett

January 30, 2021

Dearest Family and Friends of Craig,
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to you. May the Lord Bless You with Peace and Strength during this time. Craig had a sense of humor, loved his family, enjoyed his time off and was always ready to share a laugh. He enjoyed life and always had a story to share, especially about his boys. Thank you for your smile and wit, and all the laughs, we will miss you, Craig.

MELINDA SEYMOUR

January 29, 2021

Dear Kim, Steven and Jared,

I was so sad to hear of the passing of your husband and father. We have been neighbors for over 32 years and I watched as he worked with his sons on cars, small engines and cared for his yard with such diligence. His presence in the neighborhood was a comfort to me knowing he was watching out for everyone, just as he watched out for his family. I will miss our talks at the mailbox and sharing stories about our boys and how proud we were of how well they grew up. May the memories you have of him, bring comfort in the days ahead. Your neighbor, Melinda Seymour

Burke Smith

January 29, 2021

Kim and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Growing up with Craig was a experience only one could imagine. The things we did good or not so good will never be forgotten. Thank-you for being a friend and a brother to me. Rest In Peace my friend
W. Burke Smith and Family

Marian, Tom, and Stu Birge

Planted Trees

Marian Birge

January 29, 2021

We are so deeply saddened to learn of Craig’s passing. I can speak for my brothers Stu and Tom in saying that we have the fondest of memories with Craig, and with all the Birges; of all those summers at the cottage, in and on the water, in the orchard back up above the house, running through the birch trees, and warming up before the big stone fireplace. It’s been years since we’ve seen Craig, but please know that you and your children are in our hearts, as are Barbara, Gary, Glen, Rick and their families.

The Downey Family

Sent Flowers

Jonathan & Eliza Seymour

January 28, 2021

Craig was a great neighbor, a ceaselessly-helpful hand, and an honest guy. I will miss our late-night conversations his driveway as we talked about life’s joys and frustrations. We never missed an opportunity to catch up; if we saw one another, we stopped and spoke, even if just for a few minutes. He always asked about our family, because he genuinely cared. If we needed anything, he would make time to help, or talk me through the fix, or lend me the tool I needed. In many ways, he was the constant: we may have moved, or been away for a while, but when we returned, Craig was always nearby. We’d step out of the car and hear his upbeat gravelly voice shouting, “Hey, Jonathan!” And I’d know, in that moment, I was home.

Harold Gottier

January 28, 2021

Craig Birge ... Craig and I were friends and we snowmobiled together and worked together. Shared many laughs and I will never forget his bellowing call to me “HARRY “ RIP Brother....

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Diana,Mike,CodyJulianne Fuller

Sent Flowers

Rick and Lil Diachenko

January 28, 2021

Dear Kim and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Craigs death. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Lil and Rick Diachenko

Sharon Henry

January 28, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I am so very sorry for your loss. Craig was a loving, caring soul. May he Rest in Peace.