Gerald A Craft

Gerry Craft passed away on June 17, 2025, in California, at the age of 79. Born on July 25, 1945, in Riverside, NJ, he lived a life marked by dedication, intellect, and delighted in sharing happiness with others.

Gerry graduated from Riverside High School in 1963. He then pursued his passion for engineering, attending Drexel University from 1963 to 1967, where he studied metallurgy.

In 1967, Gerry married Cindy (Hamlin), embarking on a journey of shared adventures that started that same year when he enlisted, leaving Drexel, to begin his distinguished military career, proudly serving in the United States Air Force. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, where they welcomed their first family dog, Heidi. From 1968 to 1972, he was stationed in Darmstadt, Germany, adding their first daughter, Amy Christine, to the troop in 1970. After his active duty, Gerry continued to serve in the Air National Guard, enlisting in 1976 and serving until his retirement in 2004 with the 129th, based at Moffett Federal Airfield in Mountain View, California.

After their return to New Jersey, Gerry purchased the family's first home on Laurel Street in Delanco. It was there that their second daughter, Rebecca Leigh, marched into the family using her own percussions in 1973.

Gerry began his civilian career with U.S. Pipe, starting at their Burlington, New Jersey facility. He worked briefly as a co-op in 1965, and then upon his return from Germany, as a Final Inspector and Assistant Radiographer from 1972 to 1976. In 1976, he was transferred to Union City, California, where he served time in Maintenance and Quality Control. He retired in 2009 from his position as a Regional Sales Engineer, concluding a long and distinguished career with U.S. Pipe. Gerry was known for his extensive knowledge and meticulous research. His insightful papers and historical notes on casting processes are still cited and valued in the industry today, a testament to his lasting contributions.

Beyond his professional achievements, he truly valued connecting with people. After retirement, he enjoyed time on his houseboat on the Delta, cherishing peaceful long weekends on the water, he was also known to dabble in gardening, but his true passion was cooking! He was a magnificent host, renowned for his ability to keep glasses full and laughter abundant. His love of food was legendary, punctuated by his need for suspenders. If he heard someone was hungry, he would immediately set out to feed them, no matter the obstacle or how unconventional the kitchen. He was a resourceful cook, capable of preparing anything from elaborate meals of kalua pork or cioppino to a late-night spam and egg sandwich on a propane burner during a camping trip. Gerry was also a gifted storyteller, notorious for his captivating and wonderfully long-winded tales that entertained countless friends and family members.

Gerry was predeceased by his parents, Anna Genevieve (Capobianco) and William Craft. He is survived by his second wife, Betty (Yowel), daughters, Amy Hansen and her husband Don, who reside in Boise, Idaho, and Rebecca Craft of California. He also leaves behind grandchildren: Brianna Holguin (and her husband Frank), Brittany Schaffer (and her partner Jerry), and Abby, Emma, Billie, and Maddie Hansen. Gerry was a great-grandfather to Brittany's two children, Jaxon and Kaydence. He is survived by his older brother, Bill Craft and his wife, Dianne (Davis), and his younger brother, Ron Craft and his wife, Sandy (Stellwag), as well as many nieces, great nieces, and the occasional nephew. His legacy of warmth, generosity, and vibrant storytelling (and accompanying laughter) will live on in the hearts of his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In lieu of a formal service, Gerry's daughters encourage those who knew him to honor his memory by sharing a hearty laugh, enjoying a good meal with loved ones, or recounting a favorite story of their time with him.