Craig A. Closser

Craig Alan Closser, age 69, of The Villages, Florida, gained his wings on the 8th of March, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Craig was born on November 19, 1956, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Elton and Shirley (White) Closser. The family relocated to Livonia, Michigan several years later. Craig attended Bentley High School, where he evidenced his love of music as 1st chair trumpet in Symphony Band, Orchestra, Stage Band, Marching Band and Livonia Youth Symphony and attended Interlochen National Music Camp each summer. It was in high school band that Craig met his soulmate, Becky Duerst, also a trumpet player.

Craig went on to graduate from Michigan State University, with a B.A. in General Business Administration. Craig had a distinguished 36-year sales career with Ford Motor Company’s Glass Division, Carlite, Visteon, and Versalux. Craig and Becky retired to The Villages, Florida in 2014 from California, after a whirlwind of 9 corporate moves to various states.

Craig served as Treasurer and later President of the Michigan State Alumni Club in The Villages, between his rounds of golf, bowling leagues, travel and doting on his grandchildren. Above all, Craig was a devoted family man who dedicated his life to nurturing and uplifting his loved ones. He spent countless hours attending sporting events, planning travel adventures, and investing in education as he strived to raise his children to be their best selves. His mission was to equip his children with the tools to succeed in personal, career and family endeavors. His success in this mission is reflected in the lives of his children and will continue to resonate through the future generations of grandchildren.

Craig was preceded in death by father, Elton Closser and father-in-law, Eugene Duerst. He is survived by his cherished family, including spouse of 46 years, Becky Closser; his children, son, Ryan (Brynne) Closser, daughter, Erin (Chris) Sacks; his beloved grandchildren, Baylor and Harper Sacks, Mackenzie and Nicholas Closser; mother, Shirley Closser, brother, Neil (Maria) Closser, mother-in-law, Mary Duerst, sister-in-law, Kathy (Duncan) Burdette, brother-in-law, David Duerst and treasured nieces and nephews; Lauren, Dan (Olivia), Eric, John Burdette, Alexandra, Sydney Duerst, Kendall (Dom) Maisano.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul, Wildwood, Florida on May 2, 2026 at 11 AM. In honor of Craig’s alma mater, Michigan State, please consider wearing green and white. A private family celebration will immediately follow.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Sumter Senior Assisted Living and Compassionate Care Hospice for the compassion, support and care provided during Craig’s final journey. In lieu of flowers, please consider the Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinsonfoundation.org) or The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra (thevillagesphilharmonic.org) in Craig’s memory. Craig’s legacy of love, dedication and accomplishment will be cherished by all who knew him and his spirit will continue to fill their hearts.