Craig was born in Morristown, NJ and spent his youth growing up in Lake Hopatcong, NJ with his parents, John Charles DeRidder and Aurelia Hughes DeRidder, his younger brother Scott and his sister Linda. It was here that Craig developed his love of the great outdoors that would sustain him throughout his sixty eight years. Craig was very proud of obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout and loved his time on the track team at Sparta High School, where he graduated in 1970. Shortly thereafter he left for Winston-Salem, North Carolina to attend Wake Forest University where he graduated in 1975. During his years at Wake Forest he formed lifelong friendships with classmates and his Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brothers. These were some of the most important relationships in Craig's life that only grew stronger as he aged. Craig transitioned from his hippie college days with a move to Virginia Beach, where he and Scott became roommates. Craig entered the working world during the disco era as a professional bartender at Adams and other popular hot spots in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Craig loved this time in his life but as disco waned, Craig moved on to embrace the world of telecommunications. He began his telecom career in sales and later transitioned to training. When he wasn't working, Craig enjoyed biking and hiking in Seashore State Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains. He and Scott participated in the annual Peanut Bike Ride in Emporia Virginia every year for decades. While Craig truly loved the beach, his career eventually took him to Richmond, Virginia where he met his soul mate and future wife, Lauren. They were married in 1993 at a Sandals Resort in Jamaica. Among the many things that Craig and Lauren had in common, their mutual love of animals was one of their strongest bonds. Their much beloved animals throughout their marriage were their children. Craig's career eventually resulted in a move back to Virginia Beach where he and Lauren enjoyed the beach life in Chic's Beach. His career eventually took them to the Orlando, Florida area. Craig really enjoyed the travel his job offered during the last decade of his career and the many meaningful relationships he had with his co-workers. He spent much of his time in Philadelphia and South Florida as a Comcast Technical Trainer before retiring in January of 2020. Unfortunately, cancer struck when least expected. Although his diagnosis was dire, Craig and Lauren made the most of the time they had left and were able to enjoy a few visits to the Ormond Beach condo they purchased for their golden years.
Craig considered his relationships with family and friends the most important things in his life. He cherished his life with Lauren who was with him as he drew his last breath in the early morning hours of March 5th. His brother, Scott and Lauren's sister Sue, were also by his side. As Craig's health declined, his relationships grew stronger with the many people who loved him. These included his brother Scott DeRidder and his wife Beth and his sister Linda Davis, all in Virginia Beach. Craig took his role of Uncle very seriously and tried to be the best one anyone could imagine. He dearly loved his nieces and nephews; Jordan Caruana and her husband Mike, Samantha DeRidder, Marshall DeRidder of Virginia Beach and Colton DeRidder of Austin, TX. Craig also formed deep bonds with Lauren's family who considered him a brother. Sue and Don King of Virginia Beach, Jim and Sharon Early of St. Croix, USVI and Chris Early and Jeff Girard of Ft. Lauderdale are all grieving his loss. Craig cherished his great lifelong friendships with Dr. Greg Gelburd, Jon Schrock and Dr. Bob Scofield and they especially sustained him during his illness.
Craig was known for his strong opinions and ability to defend them, his belief in steadfastly following the rules and his unique ways of dealing with situations. Craig was an old soul and enjoyed movies from previous eras, science fiction and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation could make him laugh every year, even though he knew every line. Craig was an old fashioned gentleman at heart who believed in the use of handkerchiefs, the importance of a nice watch and writing pen and there was nothing a good pair of suspenders couldn't solve. The phrase "one of a kind" has been used to describe him numerous times since his passing. Craig's life made an indelible mark in the world and he will be forever remembered and missed by those who loved him.
To comply with Covid gathering limitations in Virginia, Craig's life will be celebrated Saturday, March 13th, in Virginia Beach with his family. For those who wish, a Zoom link to join this celebration will be provided by the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to share a special memory of Craig in the "memory" section on the Baldwin Fairchild website.
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