Craig S. Coulter

Craig S. Coulter passed away suddenly at the age of 61 on January 2, 2023. He is survived by his beloved wife Linda (nee Fletcher) and his loving son Christopher. Also surviving is his mother Antonette Coulter, sister Christine Coulter, mother in law Lorraine Fletcher, Uncle Thomas Coulter, Aunt Betty Coulter, brother in law Danny Fletcher(Sue), sister ln law Sherry Bresler and his nieces Marissa Fletcher and Alicia, DeAnna and Melissa Andaloro.
Craig was born on February 9th, 1961 to the Late Charles E. Coulter Jr and Antonette Coulter. He was their first child and their pride and joy. Craig was a big guy from the start, tipping the hospital scale at over 10 pounds. By all accounts he was a great baby who loved to eat constantly and sleep. In June of 1962 he proudly welcomed and showed off his baby sister to all who came to visit. He was the best big brother ever and was quick to remind his little sister not to wear her leopard coat outside during hunting season. He was a kid who was full of adventure and energy. He had his maternal grandmother next door and his cousins nearby to enjoy his summers with. He loved his mom and dad and very early on took on the role of a leader.
He started elementary school in September of 1967 at Nativity BVM in Port Richmond. He was really smart and quickly made friends. By the 3rd grade he could recite all 50 states in alphabetic order in less than 30 seconds {and on a recent family vacation he proved to everyone that he could still recite them, but even faster}. He was a big kid who looked out for his buddies. He was a friend and protector to those who were smaller or weaker. In 1974 His family moved to Frankford and Craig transferred to Edmunds School. Once again, he made friends in short order. He loved playing sports, music, hanging out with his friends and watching the Philadelphia Eagles. He loved his friends from Griscom and Dyre and those at Frankford Boys Club. It seemed wherever he went he knew people and called them friends.
In 1976 Craig started High School at Frankford. It was there that he was finally eligible to play football (he was too big to play pound ball as a kid). Craig was strong and athletic (traits that he passed on to his son Christopher). He made varsity in his first year and was quickly a starter on both the O-line and D-line. He loved being part of a great team with great coaches. Craig often said that his team was more talented in his sophomore and junior year, but it was his senior year that they were able to pull off an upset and win the city title game against Archbishop Wood. He always cherished that championship win and the boys (now men) that he played with. The team was tight, they played for each other and that's why they were so successful.
After high school Craig followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Cement Mason's Union local 592. He sailed through apprentice school and continued to perfect his skills. He took pride in his work and always ensured that the job was done perfectly. While working hard every day, Craig made a decision to enroll in college. He went on to get his bachelor's degree from Arcadia University in International Business and later his Master's Degree from Villanova University in Finance. Craig studied abroad in Australia and loved his time there.
Craig spent his early adult years at Eagles' games, attending concerts and hanging at the bar with his friends. He loved horse racing, cooking and betting on sports. He could be the life of the party or a good listener to a friend with a problem. It was hard to believe that someone could be so happy all the time. He saw the good in people and seemed to have everything he needed. That is until he met his wife, Linda. Somehow his big smile got even bigger when he talked about her. Their marriage united the Coulter and Fletcher family and we were all better for it. Just when it seemed that Craig couldn't be happier, the smile got bigger yet. Linda was pregnant and Craig was overjoyed. Several months into the pregnancy they found out together that there were having a boy. In May of 2006 Christopher was born. Craig was the happiest guy in the world. He was much more than a father; he was a dad. He traded in his Sundays at the bar with his friends for a big screen TV so that he could watch the Eagles with his son. He loved watching Christopher grow and marveled at the things he could do at an early age. From the time Christopher was three Craig and Linda could be found at the baseball diamond, soccer pitch or basketball court watching him play. There was nothing Craig liked more than spending time with his family.
When Christopher started playing football at Saint Matts, Craig would work the grill until game-time and they take his place pacing the sidelines and cheering for every play and for every player. When Christopher moved on to Father Judge Craig was always in the stands cheering for the team. When his son decided to join the track and field team, Craig quickly educated himself about the shot put so that he could support his son. He was not just always there, he was present. He modeled his love of country and love of God. When his son was three years old the family attended a Phillies game. When the national anthem was announced, Christopher, without prompting, stood, removed his hat and placed it over his heart. He knew to do this because he saw his father always stand for the American flag. This past Christmas Craig pointed out the Manger that he and Christopher made together as a first grade project at Saint Matthew's School. And yes, it had to be perfect. He wanted all of his family to know that it was still his favorite Christmas decoration.
Craig's life can truly be defined and a man who loved his family. He was a great son, a great brother, a great husband and a great dad. He was also a great friend to so many. He had a great sense of humor and would never pass up an opportunity to help a friend. Craig had such a big heart and loved his life. He needed only his family to be content. Certainly, everyone reading this has a Craig Coulter story. Share them with his friends and family. Craig left us way too soon, but we are all better people because he was in our lives.
Relatives and friends are invited to share in Craig's Life Celebration Monday, January 9, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at John F. Givnish of Academy Rd. 10975 Academy Rd., Phila, PA 19154 and Tuesday morning from 9:15 – 10:15 AM at the church of St. Matthew, 3000 Cottman Ave., Phila, PA 19149 followed by Craig's funeral mass at 10:30 AM. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem, PA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Craig's memory to Father Judge Football 12th Man Club would be appreciated by his family.
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