Craig Ronald Maloney

Craig Ronald Maloney
November 19, 1964 – November 11, 2025
Beloved father, veteran, and retired police officer remembered for his humor, generous heart, and quiet gratitude.
Craig Ronald Maloney, 60, passed away peacefully on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, at Rutland Regional Medical Center in Rutland, VT, surrounded by the love of his devoted daughters, following a brief but courageous battle with lung cancer. His diagnosis and passing came suddenly, bringing deep sorrow to his family. Yet his passing on the day our nation honors its veterans felt like a fitting tribute to his life of service, integrity, and kindness.
Born on November 19, 1964, in Portsmouth, NH, Craig was the fifth and youngest child of the late Jack Cushman Maloney and Ann Sanborn Maloney.
He is survived by his two cherished daughters, Rebecca Maloney of Rochester, NH, and Samantha Smart and her husband, Joshua Smart, of Castleton, VT; and his adored grandchildren, Madeleine and Benjamin Smart. He is also survived by his sister Jennifer Whitall of Strafford, NH; brother Steven Maloney and sister-in-law Terry Maloney of Exeter, NH; sister Julianne Maloney of Hancock, NH; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Michael Maloney of Exeter, NH, and by his parents.
Craig grew up in Rye, NH. He attended middle school in Littleton, MA, before moving to Exeter, NH, where he graduated from Exeter High School in 1984. During his high school years, he enjoyed playing hockey and developed his lifelong love for the outdoors. He loved the White Mountains and spent summers maintaining and repairing trails throughout the Presidential Range. Known for his sharp wit and quick comebacks, Craig could find humor in almost any situation and had a way of brightening the mood of everyone around him.
In 1989, Craig married Julie Michaels, with whom he shared two daughters, Rebecca and Sam. As a young family, they loved camping at Pawtuckaway State Park, where Craig passed on his love of nature, survival skills, and fishing. Though they later divorced in 2001, they remained connected through their love for their daughters. Julie survives him and resides in Dover, NH.
Craig proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1991 to 1999, primarily stationed in Portsmouth Harbor, NH. He was honored to serve on President George H. W. Bush's detail during his time in office, an experience he spoke of often with pride and humility.
Craig began his public service career as an EMT in 1986, working on ambulances and responding to emergencies with calmness. He became a part-time police officer later that same year and graduated from the NH Police Academy in Concord, NH, in 1989. The following year, he became a full-time police officer for the State of NH. Over the course of more than two decades, he served in the towns of Deerfield, Epsom, Pittsfield, and Northwood, as well as with the NH Bureau of Liquor Enforcement. He held the honor of serving as President of the NH Police Association from 2003 to 2004. Craig retired from law enforcement in 2010, remembered by his colleagues for his integrity, humor, and optimism, even during the hardest days on the job.
In 2011, Craig moved to Fort Myers, FL, where he enjoyed the sunshine, fishing, and baseball. A lifelong Red Sox fan, he proudly worked 13 spring-training seasons in security for the team, a job he cherished every moment of.
Above all, Craig's greatest joy came from being a father and grandfather. He adored his grandchildren, who were the light of his life. His family will forever remember his laughter, stories, and gentle encouragement. Even in his final weeks, Craig stayed grateful and found light in every day. His humor and hopefulness were a gift to everyone who knew him.
A graveside memorial service with full military and law enforcement honors will be held on May 29, 2026, at 11:00AM at the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH. Family, friends, and all who served alongside Craig are warmly invited to attend as we gather to celebrate his life and legacy.
"Fair winds and following seas to a devoted Coast Guardsman-and rest easy, brother. We'll take it from here."
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Craig's memory to the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Cancer and Charitable Foundation, Inc., at https://nhleccf.com