I learned of Craig’s passing just yesterday.  Twelve years ago I moved in with family on Topsail Island and was lonely and struggling to sober.   Craig took me under his wing, would walk with me for hours, sit with me at a coffee shop, and we would watch Game of Thrones . He was even kind enough to let me stay with him for a short time.  I moved to Asheville and we stayed in touch here and there, but I’ll never forget the love and hope he gave me to start me on my journey that is not an easy road in the beginning.  I’m heartbroken today, and I’m visiting Topsail this week so today I will memorialize him with a walk to our favorite coffee shop 🤍. Thank you Craig for saving my life that summer, you were so loved.

Craig comes in my memories so often. I can literally close my eyes and see him walking through the door greeting me with “My Lisapoo!” Kindest soul and I miss him.

Saw lots of cardinals yesterday with Kim 
Knew it was a sign from you that you’re ok and were with us 
Miss you so much honey 
Mom

Dearest friends 
Craig would have been 50 years old on March 9 2023 

I have been carrying his ashes with me to celebrate his life and follow his request to be buried with jim and myself - of course as things turned out, Craig passed before either of us 
Therefore, I am
Buying his ashes at our new home with instructions for Kim ( my daughter ) to eventually bury us all together 

We will be having a  simple service on March 12 at 1pm at :
7380 sarteano dr. Mb/ sc 29572 ( our home) 

Anyone that would like to come are welcome or you can light a candle and say a prayer for him - I know he’d like that 

Craig was a wonderful man and son - we pray he is at peace  and hope to see him one day again 
Joanne and jim 

I met Craig when we were just a couple of kids playing in tennis camps. We quickly grew a strong bond with each other through this and ended up going to school at Westtown together. Our parents ended up marrying and we officially became brothers, even though we were always brothers before. He had such a talent in making everyone laugh and was always positive and smiling. I know by his faith that he is in a better place now feeling no pain and smiling down on us, and laughing from joy. I love and miss you brother!

Happy Valentine’s Day to “my favorite son “ from “ your favorite mom”. 
That’s how you always signed your cards 

Love and miss you very much 
Mom 

You were my other little brother from the moment I first saw your pledge class. I rushed you, like many others, seeing the aepi material emblazoned in your strut.  And oh how you always had a strut.  You embodied cool and you regaled in its demeanor.  I spent a year or two teaching you what’s up…and then you turned the tables and spent the rest of my college years teaching me what’s what!!  
After college and in south beach, hosting you at my apt and out and about we’re always highlights for me. Anytime having you in my post college life were cherished moments. 
we drifted..like college kids do…and then we are left to make sense of what happened.  
I love you my brother and will miss you. You did things your way and always loved ya for it. Rest in power Craig Fields

Craig was loved by so many especially his sister , nieces and nephew  —-                  Ashley Mchugh was his person 

Dear Jo-Anne, we haven’t met in person but I sure feel as if I know you. Craiggypoo (I was Lisapoo) loved you so much. What a blessing to know you did your job in loving your son the way God loves you. 

I loved Craig so much. Boy could that man make me feel special! I can tell you without a doubt that every single person that knew your son will forever miss him. I am so sorry for your pain today.

Sending you prayers and Love, Lisa Ruggere

Hi Jo-Anne
My name is Chris Wiggins, mom to Ryan Wiggins who works at Harris Teeter as a bagger,,, the store with a Starbucks where your son, Craig met regularly with friends. My son, Ryan is an adult with special needs living independently. A few years ago Ryan and Craig became fast friends when they met. Craig took a special interest in Ryan as they enjoyed many of the same things especially action movies. For a number of years now, Craig so selflessly would take time out of his week to take or meet Ryan at the movies and together they would eagerly await and discuss the next movie they would go see. Craig was a true friend to Ryan, never treating him like he had special needs and was one of his angels on earth. Now, I told Ryan he will be one of his guardian angels in heaven. Ryan just learned about Craig's death as "the guys", Nello, Bob and John hesitated to tell Ryan as they didn't want to upset him at work. So they told me yesterday and I told Ryan today. He was shocked and is processing the loss as I know you are as his mom. I can't imagine losing a child. Craig was a very special man God placed in Ryan's life for a season. Craig was always upbeat and smiling; it made my day any time I ran into him at Harris Teeter. He and Ryan had a special bond. I knew about Craig's struggles and Craig and I talked a little about that. I probably treated him more like a mom. I always felt  Ryan was safe with Craig. He was considerate with Ryan. He didn't smoke in the car when he was with Ryan and  he always let me know when he picked Ryan up and dropped him off. I loved that guy! Ryan adored him more than words can express. Ryan has shed tears today, but he has a strong faith and knows that Craig will live on in our hearts forever.   Ryan would like your address so he can send you a note. In the meantime, please know you and your family will continue to be in our prayers as only He can bring the peace that passes all understanding. Much love, Chris Wiggins


A memorial fund has been set up in his name.

http://bridge-foundation.org/sponsorships-funds/craigfieldsmemorialfund/

I was fortunate to get to know Craig while I was attending Westtown School. I was a year behind Craig. We were both on the school’s wrestling team and I saw him frequently around campus. What I remember most about Craig was that he was so incredibly kind. His authenticity showed through the way his energy touched the lives of others. 
Not long ago I got a chance to reconnect briefly with Craig over Facebook. I found out that we both had living in recovery in common.  He immediately showed concern for how I was doing in recovery.  My only thought at the time was that while decades had passed, Craig was still just as kind as he was in high school. Craig was hilariously funny but I never heard him make a joke at anyone else’s expense. That is rare. 
Rest In Peace Craig. You touched so many lives, not only in recovery but in life in general.   
To Craigs family, I’m sorry for your loss and I will be holding you all in the light. 

Craig was a freshman when I was in my sophomore year at GW. He made my next 3 years extremely memorable as we quickly became close friends. I had some of the greatest times with him by my side. From watching the sweet 16 game against Michigan to driving to Boca to stay at his mom’s house with 2 other guys in a small Toyota celica, to many all-nighters playing zonk and blackjack in his room. From the time he took over as president of AEPi, his leadership and respect for others was infectious. He was all-inclusive and made sure everyone was always having a great time when they were around him. Craig also didn’t need to twist my arm to hang out with him bc he was a true mensch in every sense of the word. I remember the summer after I graduated, taking the time to work as a counselor at an overnight camp so I could spend one last summer with my best friend. It was a simmer I’ll never forget. As time passed we lost touch but I remember reconnecting a few years back and reliving some of these memories. Craig, may your memories continue to be a blessing to all who knew you and may you Rest In Peace. Til we meet again. 

First we lost Dave in the spring of ’93. And then we lost Adam later that fall. Both times hit Craig hard, and yet I always found him to be a genuine comfort to me during those dark days. He could rise up and bring others with him, even when he was at his lowest. It’s a trait that carried him through life after college, when we spent some meaningful stretches of time together. 

Craig always made it easy to drop my own pretenses. He was quick to cut through the noise and get to the core of living, and in doing so gave me permission to do the same. He was self-aware and sharp and funny and sensitive and athletic and competitive in a way that didn’t make you hate losing to him, and he had an infectious laugh that I can still hear now—it was so easy to be silly with him. And he was always hopeful in a way I once confused for naivete but came to understand was his unwavering belief in the human spirit. That’s what I remember most about Craig. 
 
The first time I met Craig’s mom in Florida we were on vacation from GW. He invited me and some friends to meet her, and I said something along the lines of, “Right, ‘cause we all want to spend spring break with another Jewish mom in Boca.” Without missing a beat, he said with his big smile, “She’s the best person you’ll ever meet.” And he wasn’t wrong. Joanne cherished being a mom to Craig, and it was a beautiful love to witness. I know she is hurting profoundly now in a way words can never capture, but she has shared that what’s helping her through this time is reading posts from people who knew Craig. Anything to keep his flame going. So please continue to add your memories to this mix to honor a dear friend who left us way too soon. 

On December 2nd, we lost a son and the GWU and AA Community lost a friend and warrior. Please know how important your memories and kind words mean to Eva and myself at this most difficult time.  Craig was a naturally born salesman who could sell ice in winter.  More importantly, he had a big heart.  He was at his best and happiest when he could help others to remain sober.  He always said that when he helped others, he helped himself. He fought daily to remain sober and positive. We are so thankful for the love and support afforded to him by you. Al though I may never had the opportunity to meet you, I am so familiar with many of your names and eternally grateful for enriching his life.  May God bless you all and please, in his memory, stay safe and sober. 

Best Wishes 

Alan Fields  

I learned of the sad news of my dear Westtown advisee, wrestler, and close friend, Craig's passing.  I recall a very special conversation that we had to get "caught up" after falling out of contact for many years.  In that moment, it felt like old times as I had flashbacks of vivid fun memories and deep, heartfelt moments of his kindness and good humor.  A truly special person in my life and the lives of many.   Many felt enriched and cared for by having such a wonderful person in our life.  May he RIP.  So, so sad.

Jay Farrow '75
Westtown School


I’m so sad to hear of Craig’s passing - I was a Westtown classmate of his. Although my memory of so much is what is is at this point, I remember clear as day standing next to Craig in the hall outside the auditorium when he turned to me and made a very kind comment - one that came up in my mind frequently and helped me along for many years. It’s a truly special person who can say one sentence that never gets forgotten. I have a feeling that he had that kind of meaningful impact on people over the course of his life. How lucky we all were to have known him. Sending love to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

The first few months of the best four years of my life were spent with Craig at GW. He was beyond adorable and his wit and charm were captivating. Life happened and I never got a chance to tell him that he made little 18 year-old me feel on top of the world. His name will always bring a smile to my face and our stories will always make me laugh. I am so incredibly saddened by his passing. Sending heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him.

Sad news indeed - Westtown Class of 1991 has lost one of its most memorable personalities. Craig remains an indelible part of high school memory. He was the Boys' End SBP (Student Body President), a competitive wrestler and a stand-up comic. After school I had fallen out of touch with him and it is a shock to find out today of his untimely passing. May his soul rest in peace and his family and friends find solace with the passage of time and the endurance of his memory. The Class of '91 will surely remember him with smiles for so long as we are on this good Earth. 

It breaks my heart to hear the news about Craig's passing. I knew him since 1987 when he was my roommate our Freshmen year at Westtown. He was one of the funniest people I've known and he always brought a smile to the people around him. The world lost a gentle soul and I will miss him dearly.  RIP my friend and I hope we can share a laugh together again someday. 

-Grant


“The passage of time is flicking dimly upon the the screen….”

I want to extend my condolences to the Fields family.

Your son had a lasting impact on me as a person….   I remember it well, and it hits me sometimes, in some places, in some situations.  Not always.  Just when things align perfectly.  Craig happened to always be there, at the right place and right time.

My early years at GWU and AEPi were defined by my interactions with your son Craig Fields.  May he forever be the Zonk Master and may he forever Rest In Peace.

Roll the dice well, El Presidente.
Onur
GWU 1997

I, like many of you, am still in shock to hear of the passing of Craig. I have only come to know Craig over the last few years through my mother-in-law, Suzie. 

Craig and I have a work history in common both being in the financial services industry which he seemingly had a love for. We've shared stories how the industry has changed and how we've helped people and families. 

Every time I sat and spoke with Craig  we both used the skills we've learned being in a sales role of asking probing, open ended questions and both listened intently as if we were looking for the best fit of our product and or service. I loved that! The conversation never went dull as we were always engaged and I loved that about him. He listened and truly listened. My only wish it that I could continue working on the relationship we started to build. 

My condolences to his family whom I've never had the privilege to meet and to the friends especially the one that introduced me to Craig. Thank you for your warmth and brief friendship I will never forget. 

Today’s a very difficult day for Jim and me - we are scheduled to be at a funeral home for my son, Craig Fields.

He passed away on December 2nd but I still can’t believe he’s gone - don’t want to believe it - maybe it’s a bad nightmare and I’ll wake up and hear his beautiful voice telling me again today how much he loves me and I’ll tell him the same.
 
I still have my last text just a day before when he wrote “You’re my favorite person on earth”. I wrote back that he was mine!! Now he will be my favorite person in heaven with God and many loved ones.
 
Today I’m headed to “see him” and say goodbye - don’t know if I can. Thank goodness my daughter, Kim McHugh and granddaughters Brianna McHugh and Ashley McHugh are here with me to hold me up - of course Jim, my wonderful husband, who is always here for me and was always there for Craig - who Craig loved and considered him his other dad.
 
With great sadness and too many tears I’m saying goodbye to a wonderful son and man - he was funny, smart, handsome, talented, kind, with the biggest heart any man could have. He will be missed by so many, especially me.

Forgive me for using Facebook but I couldn’t call all our friends and thought this might be a good way to let everyone know that my amazing son is with God.
 
Today for immediate family and some of Craig’s AA friends we will be together for a final farewell.

JoAnne Denny


Bob and I always looked forward to visiting with your handsome Son.  There was such an incredible bond of love between you and Craig that everyone witnessed.  His charisma and smile lit up the room.  Craig will be missed by all who knew him.  Please take comfort in the fact that you were a spectacular Mother who did  anything humanly possible to help.   🌹🌹🌹 May Craig Rest In Peace 🌹🌹🌹

Met Craig approximately 15 years ago at the Daily Grind coffee shop in Surf City, NC. Craig was like a magnet that attracted many people with his personality, wit and gift for gab. We had so many laughs and told stories of past and present situations. Some good and some bad.

Will miss you old friend and I hope you can now rest in peace forever.  



I was fortunate to meet Craig a couple of years ago. It is a tremendous loss at such a young age. His memories will live on forever. 

So sad to hear about Craig's passing.  We used to hang out together, laugh and have coffee together.  He was a great source of comfort to people around him.  He would have the gift of making people comfortable and joyful. He will be missed greatly by our community. Rest easy my friend.  Until we meet again.

It was with great sadness that I just found out about the passing of Craig. 
Craig was a very important part of my life when I was at my lowest point. He was there to hang out with and just enjoy the moment. My life is different now and I owe him a debt of gratitude for being there for me. Rest In Peace…

Oh my heart aches right now Dear Buddy. You supported and helped my thru some very dark times and gave without expecting anything in return. I know those who know you are greaving deeply.

Heartbroken to hear of Craig's passing and sending blessings and condolences to all whom he touched.  Craig's energy and enthusiasm shone through from the first day we met some three decades ago and burned brightly through our last conversation only a few months ago.  
His kindness and his confidence were unwavering.  His empathy and concern often selfless.  And he made people smile...  a lot... His memories always will.
Rest in Peace.

So incredibly sorry to hear of this tragic loss. Craig was a fellow fraternity brother  at GW and he would light up every room he entered. He was one of most fun, outgoing ,confident, and kindest guys you could ever know. We will miss you Fields!  

I will miss you Craig.  All the nights we would all hang outside of Starbucks and talk.  You were always there for me and for anyone who needed help.  You would light up the room when you walked in with your funny whit and hugs for everyone.  I think God decided we had enough time with you and brought you up there with him to light up the Angels with your love.   God bless you my best buddy and save me a seat until we meet again. 

I only knew Craig for a short time, but felt like I knew Craig my entire life. I don’t keep a large circle of friends, but felt at ease with Craig. He was honest, kind and very generous of himself. I knew if he had a dog we’d get along great. He helped me in ways I will always remember, and be grateful for. Craig, my brother, I love you and miss you. ✌🏻💜

I had the Good fortune of meeting Craig About six years ago. I liked him from the minute I met him. He was charming, generous in spirit and always had a something kind and supportive to share.  I believe he was the kind of guy that would’ve given his shirt off his back if it would  help someone else.  He was smart, witty and just somebody you wanted to have as a friend and in your corner.  I will miss him, his smile, his cheerful disposition and his support forever.  I pray that he is in a peaceful place.  He made the world a better place.    With much admiration, love, Stacy

OBITUARY

Craig David Fields

March 9, 1973 – December 2, 2021

McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel

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