Craig Charles Bomberger

A native of Munster, Indiana, Bomberger lived in the Washington, D.C., area for nearly three decades.

He will be remembered for his love of so many, most importantly, his wife of 21 years, Melissa, and daughters Ella, 18, and Zoe, 15. Bomberger spent countless hours supporting Ella at her gymnastics meets, often volunteering to tabulate scores, and encouraging Zoe in her love of art and attending her soccer, track, and cross country meets. He was a devoted “girl dad,” always keeping a stash of hair ties on his key ring – just in case.

He enjoyed traveling with Melissa and the girls, most recently donning bright orange shorts and a “Dad” sticker at parents’ weekend at the University of Tennessee and rooting for the Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. On the recent family trip to Hawaii, Craig was up for any adventure: upside-down ziplining, snorkeling, biking down a mountain, sailing, diving with sharks, and tubing.

He had a quick smile, an even quicker wit, and was always there for anyone who needed him, often acting as tech support for friends and family. He loved to bike, could be found on his stationary rower nearly every morning, was an integral participant in the annual guys’ ski trip and regular Supper Clubs, and enjoyed riding roller coasters, and cooking and eating good meals. He was always trying to keep his excitable dog, Ridley, a bit under control. He was Melissa’s biggest fan, supporting her at every step.

Bomberger worked at the Federal Communications Commission for 24 years, most recently serving as the acting chief of the Auctions Division, where his colleagues appreciated his sense of humor and calm under pressure. His work on spectrum auctions contributed to raising tens of billions of dollars for the Federal government. He was a devoted fan of the University of North Carolina, where he received his degree in international relations and political science in 1990. After earning a graduate degree from University of Michigan in public policy in 1995, he worked on the Hill for the House Budget Committee for four years before joining the FCC.

Craig’s sudden death is mourned by many. In addition to Melissa, Ella, and Zoe, he is survived by his mom, Cathryn, of Dune Acres, Ind.; brother, Kevin Bomberger, of Indianapolis; and sisters, Kristen (Gerard) Boston of Covington, La., and Lauren (Patrick) Fischer of Chicago. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Peter.

A memorial service is being planned; please check back at a later time for more information. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Maui Strong Fund or The Nature Conservancy (both linked below).