Craig Alan Smith

Craig is preceded in death by his father Robert and mother Marcia, mother-in-law Ann Gillard, sisters-in-law Lisa Heasley and Dana Smith, and brother-in-law Michael Gillard. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Lori, children Nathaniel and Jennifer, father-in-law James Gillard, brothers Robert(Anne), Doug, Kirk (Wendy), brother-in-law Joseph Heasley (Cheryl), uncle Don Broerman, many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, granddog Coco, and his beloved dog Bailey.

Craig and Lori married July 23, 1983. Throughout his life he has worn many hats: being a drummer in a band, a junior partner at a law firm, in-house counsel for Interim HealthCare, Deacon for the Diocese, a two-time marathon runner, soccer coach, lover of travel, and a huge fan of the Buckeyes, Blue Jackets, and Columbus Crew. He loved spending his birthday traveling. His 40th was riding the roller coaster in Santa Cruz, his 50th taking a train from London to Cardiff in Wales, and his 52nd on the chunnel train from London to Paris.

Craig lived almost all of his life in Columbus. He was a 1977 graduate of Northland High School. He received his bachelors degree in political science from The Ohio State University in 1981 and his juris doctorate from The Ohio State University in 1984. This fostered his love of The Ohio State University Buckeyes that lasted his entire life. Starting in high school and through law school Craig played drums in a 15-piece big band, and a small combo group.

Being a life long Catholic, he was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Columbus. After ordination, he was assigned to St. Anthony, his home parish since its founding in 1963. He had the honor of being at its first Mass, and its final Mass at its closing in October. He was currently assigned to St. Elizabeth and St. Matthias Churches. He truly loved being a deacon. He was exceptionally honored to baptize all of our family members and preside over the weddings and funerals of all of many family and friends, but one of the highlights of his ministry was participating in the Jubilee Mass with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Craig was a past President of the Young Republicans, ran for city office, a member of Sertoma, the Elks, and a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, February 26, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at St Elizabeth Catholic Church, 6077 Sharon Woods Blvd., where his Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Father Anthony Davis, Celebrant.

Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Advantage by Schoedinger North is honored to serve Deacon Craig Smith and his family.