Rev. Arthur P. Craig, a devoted Catholic priest, retired U.S. Army Colonel, and compassionate servant to his community, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 96 years old.
Born on September 28, 1928, Rev. Craig grew up in Staten Island, New York. He graduated from Central High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University in 1949 and a Master of Arts from Long Island University in 1951. He answered his calling to the priesthood and completed his studies at Catholic Seminary in 1955.
Rev. Craig dedicated his life to service, both spiritual and military. Ordained in 1955, he ministered faithfully for seven decades. As a U.S. Army Chaplain from 1955 to 1985, he provided spiritual guidance to soldiers and their families, earning the Bronze Star for heroism during the Vietnam War. Rev. Craig was a proud member of the Air Brigade. He admired the young men he served with in the jungles of Vietnam. His last request was to be laid to rest with his fellow infantry men. After retiring from active duty as a Colonel, he continued his ministry as a chaplain for the Maricopa County Jail System.
An accomplished athlete, Rev. Craig was proud to be a military champion tennis player and enjoyed refereeing intramural sports on army bases. As a teenager, Rev. Craig turned down an opportunity to sign with his hometown New York Yankees. He also found joy in helping organizations and individuals develop communication skills.
Above all, his greatest passion was caring for others whether through his ministry or his cherished friendships. Rev. Craig possessed an amazing intuition to see and to know how a person was feeling in only a few minutes.
Art impacted the lives of those who knew him. For such a quiet, understated person, he left an incredible mark on everyone he met. Due to his careers, Rev Craig made a difference for thousands of people. He never chose the easy path. From the battlefield to prisons, Art ministered to people who were facing daunting circumstances. He will be missed by me, my family, and those who cared for him.
Rev. Craig was predeceased by his parents, John and Helen Craig; his siblings John, Eugene, Robert, Leonard, Claire (Huber), and Marion; and many close friends, including Lynne Tronsdal.
A Funeral Mass was held on January 31 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in Phoenix, Arizona. Burial followed at 1:30 p.m. at the National Veterans Cemetery in Phoenix.
Rev. Arthur P. Craig’s unwavering faith and dedication to serving others leave an enduring legacy that will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.
