The Rev. William R. Craig, O. Praem., a Norbertine priest of Daylesford Abbey, died on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at the age of 82. Fr. Craig had been living for the past several years in retirement at the abbey. In addition to the members of his community, Father Craig is survived by a brother, James (Barbara) Craig as well as a niece and two nephews.
Father Craig, a native of South Philadelphia, was born on September 30, 1930. He attended St. Richard School and Southeast Catholic High School. He was vested as a Norbertine on August 28, 1948 and ordained to the priesthood on June 4, 1955. He received his B.A. from St. Norbert College and an M.A. in European History in 1964 from Marquette University.
From 1957 to 1961 he served on the faculty of Premontre High School in Green Bay followed by ten years on the faculty of Bishop Neumann (now St. John Neumann-Maria Goretti) High School. He also served on the faculty of Archmere Academy in Claymont, Delaware. Following his years in teaching he served as assistant in St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in South Philadelphia as well as pastor of Queen of Peace in Millersburg, Pa. and St. Patrick/St. Ann Parish in the Baltimore archdiocese. While living at the abbey Father Craig also assisted at Notre Dame Academy in Villanova as well as Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital in Darby, PA.
Father Craig was an avid reader especially in the field of history and was a fierce competitor at the cribbage table. In the afternoon you could find him sitting alone at the cribbage table playing without the light on because “defeat was not as bad in the dark”. After dinner he could be found gathering a foursome. He talked constantly throughout the course of the game leading one of his partners to state that “he could never become a bridge player”. In addition Fr. Craig was a strong supporter of the Philadelphia Phillies and kept abreast of every game and team player.
Funeral arrangements for Father Craig are as follows. Reception of the Body with Vespers will be held at Daylesford Abbey on Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 4:30 PM. There will be a viewing on Sunday from 4:30 PM until 8 PM and on Monday from 12 Noon to 3 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3 PM on Monday, March 25, 2013 with final interment in the abbey cemetery. Abbot Richard Antonucci will officiate at the funeral service. Donations in Father’s memory can be made to Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Road, Paoli, PA. 19301.
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