Craig Lawrence Caddigan

Craig Lawrence Caddigan, 71, of Palm City, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 23, 2025.

Craig was born May 31, 1954, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey to loving parents James Lawrence Caddigan and Aneita Frances Cleary. Most of his childhood and adolescence was spent in St. Louis, Missouri, where he attended and graduated from Lafayette High School. He further pursued his education at the Florida Institute of Technology, studying Ocean Technology. This launched an extensive career in oceanography, taking him on countless expeditions across the globe.

At Harbor Branch Oceanography Institute from the years 1982-2012, Craig operated, maintained and upgraded the Johnson-Sea-Link Submersibles I and II for 30 years. With the Johnson Sea Link, he logged over 1,300 dives as pilot and over 200 dives as Diver/Tender. In his time with Harbor Branch, he held the titles of Dive Safety Officer, Johnson Sea Link I and II Senior Submersible Pilot, and At Sea Submersible Operations Director. He advised and participated in numerous submersible and scientific diving operations throughout the world's oceans, seas, and Great Lakes. Many of these missions helped further the world of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical research.

Notably, he was involved in historic recovery missions including the Space Shuttle Challenger; excavation and documentation of USS Monitor; and Trident missile recoveries. He even aided in the historic search for the crash site of Amelia Earhart. Later in life, his career extended into a position with Oceaneering International where he worked as an ROV/AUV Pilot and Senior Technician. As a member of a small crew, he operated and maintained ROV systems and support gear on multiple platforms and ships in the Gulf of Mexico and overseas.

To honor the many outstanding accomplishments accrued in his field, in 2012 Craig was inducted into the Rockwood Alumni Hall of Fame in St. Louis, Missouri. He won several awards with his extensive nautical shell collection, which he acquired over his many dives. He was along standing member of the Stuart Corvette Club and spent much of his free time volunteering at the Elliot Museum in Stuart, FL. There, he delighted audiences by sharing his knowledge, experience, and lifelong enthusiasm for oceanography, and his lectures were often well attended.

Craig will be deeply and dearly missed by his family and friends alike. He is survived by his significant other, Rita Nelson; sister Judith McGoodwin, and her husband, Middleton McGoodwin; sister Ellen C. Lyner, and her husband, Robert W. Lyner; niece Lauren E. Lyner, and her husband, Adam West; niece Jennifer A. Schminke, her husband Jan Schminke, her sons,Leo, Jasper, and Tobias Schminke; niece Barbara L. Robinson, her husband Chris Robinson, her daughter Finley Robinson; nephew Christopher D. Lukos, and his wife Laura Lukos; nieces Lindsy V. Lyner, Alexis M. Lyner, and Elizabeth A. Lukos.

A Celebration of Life for Craig will be held on Thursday March 19, 2026 from 5-7pm at the Elliott Museum 825 NE Ocean Boulevard Stuart Fl. 34996
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to: The Historical Society of Martin County in memory of Craig L. Caddigan

Historical Society of Martin County
825 NE Ocean Blvd.
Stuart, FL.34996
www.hsmc-fl.com

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