Craig Thomas McDowell

Craig Thomas McDowell, age 83, of North Huntingdon, PA, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025. The late Walter Blaine McDowell and Nellie Veronica Baker McDowell welcomed their son on May 8, 1942. Craig began collecting some of his best stories while growing up in the projects of Dravosburg with his three younger sisters and while volunteering as a teen fire fighter with Dravosburg #1 Fire Hall. Following his 1960 graduation from McKeesport High School, Craig enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served proudly as a medic.

The best decision Craig ever made was marrying his first wife Carol Winkelvoss McDowell in August of 1964. Together they built a life marked by generosity and service to their family, friends, and neighbors. Craig loved his job as a lineman and troubleshooter for Duquesne Light Company, served as a volunteer EMT with Rescue 8 in North Huntingdon, was a member of the Duquesne McKeesport Masonic Lodge #731, and fixed all sorts of things at Sampson’s Mills Presbyterian Church. It was hotly debated which he enjoyed more: napping in a boat while fishing or sleeping in the woods while hunting. He logged many road miles as a runner and cyclist until he required replacement parts. There was no greater compliment to him than being invited to sit at the kids’ table and he treasured every adventure with the Cube Crew. Craig read more books than you did this year.

Craig spent almost three years stubbornly defying all odds following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, and would proudly declare that he beat it. Twice. But that battle took its toll and Craig claimed his well-earned rest on Monday, December 15, 2025, surrounded by love and “all those women.”

Preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Terri and Marsha, Craig is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Carol of North Huntingdon as well as daughters Susan McDowell Scott (Bernard, Jr.) of Plum, and Shannon McDowell of Irwin, son-in-law Tony Williamson of North Huntingdon, and sister Shawna McDowell of Lighthouse Point, Florida. Craig was put on this earth to be Dat to his favorite granddaughters, Meghan Williamson of Daytona Beach, Florida and Delaney Williamson of Lakewood, Ohio.

Family and friends are invited to gather and honor Craig’s memory at Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, Inc., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412 678 6177) on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., when a Masonic Funeral Service will be held. A celebration will be held at Sampson’s Mills Presbyterian Church, 1665 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131, on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Steve Wilson officiating. A burial with full military honors will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017, on Monday, December 22, 2025 beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions in Craig’s name may be made to the Cupboard Stretchers White Oak Food Pantry at Sampson’s Mills Presbyterian Church (cupboardstretchers.org), the Norwin Public Library (norwinpubliclibrary.net), or the Reflections of Grace Foundation (reflectionsofgrace.org). Leave a big tip the next time you’re out to dinner.

To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com