Royal Vincent Craig

Born on Staten Island, New York, Royal's early life was marked by both challenge and the strength of a close-knit family. After losing his father, Royal, at the age of five, he and his brother Alan were raised with steadfast love by their mother, Clementine Daney Craig, and elder cousin, Clement “Clem” Barbaza. The values they instilled in him - resilience, loyalty, and hard work-remained with him throughout his life.

Growing up in a household that lived and breathed baseball, Royal's talent on the field eventually led him to the minor leagues in the South, where he played within the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs organizations, as well as in professional leagues In New York. Following his athletic career, he earned a degree In Marketing from Rutgers University and spent many successful years with Pitney-Bowes.

On May 3, 1958, he married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth “Betty“ Ashley. Together, they raised three sons and eventually found their true sanctuary in Maine. After retirement, Royal spent every summer there, where he was happiest with a fishing rod or golf club in his hand, sometimes both. Whether he was on the coast or a quiet lake, his love for fishing and the rugged beauty of the Maine landscape were a cornerstone of his later years.

Royal is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; his son, Royal W. Craig and wife, Debora Kuchka-Craig; son Mark D. Craig and wife Stacie Craig, and son Douglas N. Craig and wife Emily Craig; He leaves behind a proud legacy in his six grandchildren: Sarah, Royal, Caleb, Anna, Aubrey, and Molly. He is also survived by his brother Alan Craig and wife Jean, nephews, Keith and Jeff, and cousins Kristina Barbaza and Michael Barbaza, as well as many other extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 11AM at Chestnut Grove Presbyterian Church, 3701 Sweet Air Road, Phoenix, Maryland, 21131.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust (https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/capelandtrustmaine) or Chestnut Grove Presbyterian Church (https://onrealm.org/cgpc/-/form/give/now).