Craig A. Johnson, 60, of Kinderhook, NY, passed away peacefully at home on August 3, 2020 after battling ALS.
Born in Bath, NY to Robert & Joan (VanDusen) Johnson, he grew up in Gouverneur, NY.
Craig earned his Masters in Physical Education while attending St. Lawrence University. The following year, he stayed on as a Graduate Assistant football coach, before being invited to work at Villanova University, PA as an Assistant Coach. “He was a catalyst in recruiting a team that would be rebuilt and go on to become national champions.” -Andy Tally
After several years of honing his teamwork and leadership skills at Villanova, he started a new journey at the Adirondack Center in Ephratah, NY. He brought his grand vision to life while creating a unique destination for group workshops and retreats. He shared his personal developments skills with many groups of high school, college and foreign exchange students, teachers, developmentally disabled individuals and religious retreat groups. For 12 years, he impacted the lives of so many during joy-filled experiences including his workshops, rope courses, meals and campfires. During this time, he found his heart’s calling - working with developmentally disabled individuals.
Upon the closing of the Center, he moved to Kinderhook to permanently reside with his other love, Barbara. He enabled individuals to have providing daily “out of walls” experiences for Rensselaer County’s Living Resources. “He brought light to everyone he met”. -Robert
Craig is survived by his mother Joan Johnson, his loving partner of 17 years Barbara A. Berger, daughters; Joni (Eric) Hart, Breanna (Nir) Berger-Tzabar, and Kristina (Harry) Chavarria, grandchildren; Bryson & Hailee Kelleher and Ziva Berger-Tzabar, sisters; Lynne (Mark) Evans and Barbara (Carl Woods) Hadfield, and many adored nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert.
The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made toward the purchase of trees to be planted at St. Mary’s Cemetery, where his body will reside. Donations can be sent to PO Box 623, Kinderhook, NY 12106. Donations can also be made to the ALS Association in memory of him at donate.als.org.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Ryan Marshall, PA.
Funeral services will be held privately for family only at Raymond E Bond Funeral Home in Valatie, NY this weekend. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Stuyvesant Falls, NY.
A Celebration of Life will be held this Fall to honor him. A disc golf Fund Raiser in his honor to benefit the Living Resources programs is being planned.