Albert Burchfield Craig Jr.

Albert Burchfield Craig Jr. 1924 - 2008 Albert Burchfield Craig Jr., MD passed away April 4, 2008 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness. He was 83. Al was born April 19, 1924 in Sewickley, Pa. and was the son of Albert B. and Elizabeth G. (Gibson) Craig.

He attended The Lawrenceville School, Princeton University and graduated from Cornell Medical School in 1948. He served as a lieutenant and research physician in the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 1951 to 1953. His long career as a professor of physiology and pharmacology at the University of Rochester Medical School took him to Japan, Nigeria, Hawaii and Norway on a Fulbright Fellowship. His career reflected a lifelong personal and professional passion for the sport of swimming. He was author or co-author of over 100 papers covering a range of physiology-related topics. He continued his research into the biomechanics of swimming as professor emeritus of physiology until his death. In addition to editorial board memberships on numerous academic publications, he was president of the American College of Sports Medicine from 1972 to 1973 and The Staunton Farm Foundation of Pittsburgh, Pa. from 1985 to 1991. He authored "One Woman's Dream, a Brief History of Staunton Farm Foundation" and "Burchfield-Craig: Two Pittsburgh Families." Al's deep respect and affection for nature and the Finger Lakes region was reflected in his longtime support of Finger Lakes Land Trust and his part-time residence for many years in Canadice. He also served as a member of the planning board and comprehensive planning committee of the town of Canadice. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Sybil S. (Smart) Craig; children, Lee C. (Staffan) Lundback, Albert B. (Louise) Craig III, John G. Craig and Gregory L. Craig; and grandchildren, Hadley L. (Todd) Matarazzo, Erik B. Lundback and Albert B. Craig IV. His family will receive friends Tuesday, April 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the family home. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions honoring his life may be made to Finger Lakes Land Trust, 202 E. Court St., Ithaca, NY 14850. Arrangements are by Anthony Funeral and Cremation Chapels, Rochester, NY 14618.