Craig John Jolly

Craig John Jolly, age 76, Newark, DE, passed away suddenly on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
Craig was born on December 4, 1947 in Cleveland, OH. He was a graduate of St. Peter Chanel High School in Bedford, OH, attended John Carroll University in University Hts., OH, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH in May 1970. He immediately began working for Diamond Shamrock Corporation in Cleveland, OH. In 1971, he married the love of his life and best friend, Kathleen McDonald Jolly. They purchased their first home and started raising a family. They then relocated to Oxnard, CA. in 1977 and one year later moved to Delaware where Craig worked as the plant controller for Georgia Gulf.
Craig and Kathleen, spent the next 53 years happily married. Together they raised three amazing children, celebrated their children's marriages and welcomed seven wonderful grandchildren into their lives. They loved taking vacations at the Delaware beaches and visiting their families back in Cleveland. They enjoyed taking day trips to historical sites, museums, and local events. Craig had a passion for trains and was excited about taking train rides, especially on the J611, also known as the "Spirit of Roanoke" and the "Queen of Steam". It was not uncommon for them to take a spur of the moment drive to visit the Strasburg railroad or the sites of Lancaster County.
Craig liked watching sports, especially football and baseball. His favorite teams were the Browns, Guardians, Eagles, Phillies, ND the Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes. However, his favorite sports to watch were the sports his children and grandchildren played. Win or lose, he was their biggest fan. He had an endless supply of t-shirts and hats for every team.
He loved watching his grandchildren in any activity they participated in. He made a point to attend all of their special events such as, First Communions, Confirmations, graduations, concerts, science and art fairs, plays and grandparent's day, just to list a few. He loved his family so much. From the time each child was born, he was wrapped around their little fingers.
In his spare time, he enjoyed listening to music, specifically, classical, rock, musicals, and everything from the 60s to today. His family never understood why, but his favorite artist was Cyndi Lauper. He loved her voice and was so excited when he and Katleen got tickets for the 1st row at one of her concerts. It was one of his favorite experiences. His leisure activity was watching classic sitcoms, police procedural dramas, action dramas, comedies, family films and classic movies, specifically WWII movies. He spent many hours working with his hands completing lego sets and puzzles. However, his talent was woodworking. He spent endless hours creating beautiful craftsmanship for his home.
Craig courageously and quietly battled many health issues. With his faith, amazing team of medical doctors, and his beloved wife and caregiver, Kathleen, he always remained upbeat and optimistic. Craig was preceded in death by his father, John H. Jolly, and his mother, Rosine P. (Liccardi) Jolly. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen McDonald Jolly; children, Michael Jolly, Christine (James) Weir, and Colleen (Mark) Jordan; brother, Charles (Gail) Jolly; his grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Poppy", Hannah, Meggie, Kailey, Katelyn, Jimmy, Paul, and Abby; along with cousins, brother-in laws, sister-in laws, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and countless friends.
To know Craig was to love him. His smile would light up a room and his laugh was infectious. He cherished the little things in life, particularly sharing a conversation with the ones he loved. In doing so, he made a personal connection with everyone he knew. He made sure you knew he loved and cared for you in his own gentle way.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Friday, September 27, 2024, at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, 2431 Frazer Road, Newark, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am. Inurnment will be held privately.