Russell Frank Craig, 67, a cherished member of the Geauga County community, passed away on February 15, 2024, at UH Geauga Medical Center. He was born on March 28, 1956, in Painesville, Ohio, to Leslie G. and Ruth Frances (Nee: Piras) Craig and remained a steadfast resident of Geauga County throughout his life.

Russell, known affectionately as Russ, was a graduate of Chardon High School’s class of 1975. During his high school years, he excelled in athletics, finding joy in football, basketball, and baseball. Following his graduation, Russ embarked on a fulfilling career with Claridon Heating then as a Machinist retiring from Princeton Tool.

For an impressive span of 47 years, Russ was an integral part of the Geauga Aerie #2261 FOE. He contributed his time and energy to the club, serving as a bartender for over 30 years. Russ’s love for sports extended beyond the field; he enjoyed leisure activities such as golf, softball, and bowling. His passion for bowling was evident in his remarkable achievement of a near-perfect score of “299” at Ernst Lanes in Chardon, an accomplishment celebrated by Joe Ernst presenting him with the bowling pin he missed! Russ was also an enthusiastic collector of sports memorabilia and an avid supporter of teams including the Kansas City Chiefs, Boston Celtics, Chicago Cubs, and the Montreal Canadiens. He found great joy in attending rock concerts, favoring performances by legendary bands like the Rolling Stones, Rush, and the memorable World Series of Rock at the old Cleveland Stadium.

Russ is survived by his loving sister and brother, Linda Craig and David (Lisa) Craig, both residing in Chardon. He also leaves behind his nephew, David (Melissa) Craig Jr., of Kent, and his niece, Dr. Bethany (Mike) Doroghazi of Mayfield, as well as his great-niece, Claire Doroghazi, and great-nephew, Samuel Doroghazi.  Russ is also survived by his step sisters Sharon (Bill) Keller, Pam (Richard) Stanley, Chris (Ned) McDonald and step brothers Jeff (Alisha) Gifford and Roger (Nicole) Gifford as well as step nieces and step nephews.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during a visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024, followed by a Memorial Service officiated by the Eagles at 6:00 p.m. at the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, located at 116 South St., Chardon, OH 44024.

In honor of Russ’s memory, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.supportwoundedwarriorproject.org; Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, www.t2t.org/donate; or any wildlife preservation organization of your choosing.

Expressions of sympathy, condolences, and cherished memories can be shared online at www.burrservice.com. Russ’s legacy of warmth, kindness, and passion for life will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.