Robert C. Craig, 73, of Westford, a retired Firefighter and Chief for the Town of Acton, died Friday, December 11, 2020 in Boston. Bob was born in Syracuse, NY. Son to the late C. Ernest Craig and Betty Jean Craig. At the age of 23, Bob married the love of his life, Judy Mitchell of Westford.
After graduating from Acton Boxborough High School, his passion to help others and for the fire service sparked the start of a career in the Town of Acton. In 1968, Bob started as a volunteer firefighter while attending Boston University and graduated from Gordon College with a BA in Psychology. In 1970 he was promoted to permanent firefighter and in 1971 entered the Army National Guard to serve his country for 6 years. Bob was loyal to the Town of Acton during his entire career of almost 44 years of service, holding every officer position as he climbed the ladder as a member of the Acton Fire Department which included his last 22 years as Fire Chief. Bob held an Associate Degree in Fire Science and Technology and was a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program of the National Fire Academy. He was an active contributor to several national and international professional organizations and Fire Chief associations. Bob served for over 20 years as a member of the Massachusetts Fire Training Council and after retirement continued to serve as appointed by the Governor to represent the Citizens of the Commonwealth.
A loyal and devoted family man with quick wit and dry sense of humor, he lived by his faith, served in his church, had a servant’s heart, and was an empathetic friend to all. Bob was courageous and a hero.
A loving husband, father and grandfather, Bob is survived by his wife Judy of 50 years, son Robert (BJ) C. Craig Jr, and daughters Becky Hylton, Cy Richards, Cheryl McClelland and fourteen grandchildren; his brothers and sisters, David Craig, Carolyn Hitterman, Suzanne Abatsis, Daniel Craig and Sharon Craig; as well as a large extended family.
The family will honor Bob with a brick at the Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial. The Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial, located at the State Capital, stands tall as a tribute to the spirit, courage and dedication of past, present and future firefighters. With more than 17,000 active firefighters and thousands of retired and deceased firefighters, the Memorial is a living tribute to the brave men and women who have, and continue to, work day in and day out to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth. (https://www.mafirememorial.org/home/)
Visiting hours will be Friday, December 18th, 2020 at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave (Rte 111), Acton. Visiting from 4:00-5:00pm is reserved for fire and first responder personnel. Public visiting will follow from 5:00-7:00pm.
Masks are required and social distancing will be observed. All visitors are invited to pay respects at the casket and acknowledge the family, but due to the pandemic we respectfully ask that you keep moving through the line rather than stopping to engage in the usual conversation and hugs.
Graveside services in Mt. Hope Cemetery, West Acton are private, again due to pandemic restrictions from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The family prefers that you omit flowers and instead consider a memorial donation in Bob's name to help others through the Dana-Faber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. All Condolences and access to Bob's Giving Page can be found at: https://padlet.com/bnjc_34/bipyy6vd1iezqir8
Memorial page actonfuneralhome.com