Craig G. Trautman

Craig Gene Trautman, age 74 of Rootstown, passed away November 8, 2021, at Akron City Hospital from complications due to COVID-19. Craig was a strong and courageous man who fought off cancer and medical problems for the past four years.

He was born September 18, 1947, in Akron, Ohio, to parents Russell F. and Mildred “Jean” (Hill) Trautman. Craig grew up in Brimfield and attended Field and Kent Schools. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps and proudly served his country for 13 months in Vietnam from 1966 – 1967.

In the summer of 1968, Craig met his soulmate and love of his life, Linda, while she was working at the Short Stop Drive-In in Kent. It was love at first sight, and they married October 2, 1971, recently celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

Craig was a welder-fitter by trade and took pride in perfection. He was employed at Terex GM and later retired from Grafton Machine and Rubber in 2017.

In his younger years, Craig was a street racer. He later raced motorcycles, and then eventually switched to a touring bike. He took countless rides to the Smokey Mountains, often visiting his childhood friends Jack and Cheryl. There were many other scenic trips throughout Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. Eventually, Craig had to stop riding his bike and exchanged it for a small convertible sports car, and the trips continued.

Craig was a man with strong character and principles. He was a hard worker who was always honest and trustworthy. Craig never passed up the opportunity for a good debate on current events. But most of all, Craig will be remembered for the love he had for his family.

Craig enjoyed family vacations in Florida, going to Disney World and visiting “Gram.” He loved walking on the beach, listening to the sounds of the ocean, and watching sunsets with Linda. He also enjoyed hiking and going to amusement parks. Craig shared his love of bikes with his sons, teaching them how ride dirt bikes, as well as other ways to have fun outside, including the traditional trip to the tree farm every Christmas to cut the family Christmas tree. Craig also had a passion for fishing and could be found fishing the Portage County lakes for walleye with his friend Dave.

Craig is survived by his beloved wife Linda (Albright) Trautman, his sons Craig W. Trautman and Kevin J. Trautman, his granddaughter Hailey Trautman, and his brothers Den Trautman and Tim (Trina) Trautman. Craig was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Tom Trautman. Craig will also be missed by close friends and relatives and his dogs Jake and Vega.

His wishes for cremation are being honored. Friends and family will be received Tuesday, November 23, 2021, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM with a memorial mass celebrated by Reverend Zachary Coulter at 11:00 AM at St. Peter of the Fields Catholic Church in Rootstown.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Salvation Army or the Portage APL.