ForeverMissed
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Craig Spencer, 61, of Port Charlotte, FL passed away surrounded by loved ones on June 23, 2020 after a brief battle with cancer.

Craig was born on September 24, 1958 to Ann and Vernon Spencer in Carthage, NY. After graduation, Craig landed his first job in construction which started a 45 year career as a craftsman.

In 1985, Craig met Diana Howard. They fell in love almost instantly and were married on July 25, 1987 in Watertown, NY.  Together they raised two children: Christopher Day and Melissa Gonzalez.

Craig was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. Craig was a passionate craftsman who could be found in his workshop during his time off, working on projects for family and friends.

Anyone who knew Craig knew that he was the most loving son, father and spouse a family could ask for. Craig was predeceased by his father, Vernon Spencer. He is survived by his wife Diana Spencer of Port Charlotte, FL, his children, Christopher Day (Anna Day) of Port Charlotte, FL, Melissa Gonzalez (Junior Gonzalez) of Boston MA, Grandchildren, Dasani Prideaux, Caiden Day, Maddison Day, his mother Ann Spencer of Felts Mills, NY his two siblings Cheryl Spencer of Felts Mills, NY and Howard Spencer of Ohio, and Craig’s dog Mollie.

In lieu of flowers, all donations received by the family will be given to Craig’s special caretakers during his hospital stay.

Craig will be dearly missed by his closest friends Art from CCI Construction; Johnny, Jason and all employees of Raymond Building Supply; and Jimmy and all employees of Pulte Builders.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at 4:00 pm at Deep Creek Community Church, located at 1500 Cooper Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Pastor Steve Glover will officiate the ceremony.  Please note that due to COVID-19 there is a limit of 45 people that can attend.  Everyone must wear a face mask and please keep a 6 foot distance from others.  If you would like to attend please email craigsfuneral@gmail.com as attendance is very limited.




July 5, 2020
July 5, 2020
Dear Aunt Ann, Cheryl and family, 
Walt and I are so very sorry to learn that Craig passed away. We send our deepest sympathy and prayers to you. Walt has many fond memories of Craig at the cottage when they were young. Walt said how much he always liked Craig...that he was such a kind, quiet, and good person. We are also very sorry that due to COVID we can’t comfort you in person, but know that you are loved and in our thoughts. May God bless and keep all of you in His divine care now and always.
Walt Hovendon and Teresa Leavery Hovendon
July 2, 2020
July 2, 2020
Diana, Kate and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. We have such fond memories of our time with the two of you... So much fun... So many laughs... Please know that we are with you in mind and spirit.

Take Care
July 1, 2020
July 1, 2020
Aunt Ann, Cheryl, Howard, Diana, Christopher and Melissa, I am so sorry to hear about Craig. My heart breaks for you all. I have such great memories of cousin Craig from my youth. What a wonderful and nice guy. Although I hadn't seen Craig since we were kids, my brother told me what a fantastic craftsman he became and how he was still as nice as we remembered as when we were kids. God Bless Craig and all of you. 
July 1, 2020
July 1, 2020
Sending our prayer's to you all.I met Craig once,but from reading ,the tribute's ,he was a special person.Again so sorry
July 1, 2020
July 1, 2020
Uncle Scrubbie as I liked to call you because you were always running around, working hard and helping in anyway you could. So many memories and also so many years apart sadly. I remember watching you and dad build the houses on Zoar road, and how exciting it was to be able to run right next door and visit with you and Aunt Dede. I remember being sad that you guys were moving to Florida but excited to get to visit you. I remember not seeing you for years until Mandies wedding and you instantly went into protective mode when you met Josh. I will miss your hugs and that contagious laugh that I hear any time I think of you. You will always be in my heart and I promise to check on Aunt Dede often. Give Gramps and Chase a big hug and maybe even some noogies. Until we meet again ♡
June 30, 2020
June 30, 2020
Oh Aunt Craig, how you will be missed! You were truly one of the most wonderful men my girls and I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. You were the definition of what a good honest family man should be. You left a lasting impression in all of our lives and we are all better for knowing you. We love you.
June 30, 2020
June 30, 2020
Our family was so sorry to hear of Craigs passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Becky Priestley
Cathy O'Hara
RICKY Sawyer
June 30, 2020
June 30, 2020
So sorry for your loss Cheryl, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. John and Cheryl Clark
June 30, 2020
June 30, 2020
Thinking of you all today! You just don't meet people like Craig very often in your life! Will miss you my friend! Heaven has gained a special Angel!
June 30, 2020
June 30, 2020
Mrs. Spencer. Cheryl and family. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Love Mary Hoistion
June 30, 2020
June 30, 2020
R.I.P. Craig, Thanks for being part of our family and our life
June 30, 2020
June 30, 2020
Craig was not only a great employee but also a good friend i know of several times he went way beyond to help people out and never looked for anything in return. He never balked when i asked him to do anything even if it wasn't his job he just got it done . He will be missed by many !
June 29, 2020
June 29, 2020
Craig was the first child in our first grade class room to befriend me when our family first moved to Felts Mills. His mom Anne and my mom Elsie were best friends through the years. My condolences. Craig and family were always special indeed.
June 29, 2020
June 29, 2020
My deepest Sympathies to you and your family Diana...In the short time we have known Craig...we knew him to be a kind, gentle soul. May God watch over you and your loved ones, so you may find peace in this sadden time. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs.

Nancy (DeCrescenzo) Rennhack and Carl Rennhack
June 29, 2020
June 29, 2020
I really don’t know what to say. Craig has been part of my family for 33 + years. Not only was he a wonderful brother-in-law but he was a friend too. He and Carmen did a lot of things together and after Carmen died I could depend on Craig to help me with things that needed to be done. Never heard this man complain, not once. Nobody knows why God plans the way he does, and why he takes people sooner than we think they should be gone. I know there is an ultimate plan and it is not ours to ask why. Billy Joel said it best, only the good die young. I’m pretty sure that Carmen was waiting for him at Heaven’s Gate, and that both of them are looking down on their families and will always have their wings wrapped around us. Love you Brother-in-law, and miss you. Until we meet again....
June 29, 2020
June 29, 2020
So very hard to find words. You always knew you were my favorite brother in law . The best , my cohort in shenanigans, oh the things we would come up with , carry out and laugh until our bellies hurt . Oh honey such a very very sad situation you went through, you were such a ROCK , fighting , planning for your new future , never doubting that you would beat this . Such short notice that God gave us that he needed your help , your love , your skills And your sense of humor . I will miss you and will be keeping a list of or upcoming shenanigans that we’ll attend to when we meet again . Thank you and it was an honor having you as my brother in law . I love you and I will do my best to take care of Diane and the kids . Until we meet again , kiss my Dad .
Cheryl 
June 29, 2020
June 29, 2020
I will miss you Papa, I will miss hearing your voice, your jokes and that infectious laugh of yours. We will never forget you and will think of the good times we had over the years. Your little girl is in good hands and I will take care of her for you.
I love you Papa, until we meet again
June 28, 2020
June 28, 2020
Papa, you’ll truly be missed and you are so very loved. You left a legacy, not only in Chris and Tee Tee, but in their children and even in mine. Thank you for choosing to be dad to Chris and Melissa, the good days and the bad ones. Thanks for all the smart ass remarks and always making me feel welcomed in your home. Thanks for letting the kiddos think they could build a kitchen and teaching Dasani the foundation of how to be a hardworking man. Thanks for the fun times the kids had in the kiddy pool while they went back and forth soaking wet, “helping you” build anything and everything Nanas heart desired. Thanks for teaching Ari that girls can swing hammers too. Thanks for remodeling your homes countless times and for the funny surprises it would bring each time I came by. Where’s the sink this time, Papa?!

I’ll still steal your chair when I come visit Nana, per usual - I hope someone will still kick me out of it. I’ll miss your giggle and new jabs at Tee Tee so I’ll help you out there and bring some of my own in your honor. Thanks for showing us what a good man looks like. You’ll never be forgotten.

~ Jodie
June 28, 2020
June 28, 2020
I spent the last 35 years of my life with the most amazing, caring, loving, unselfish, kind, giving man I ever met. We raised 2 wonderful children, Christopher and Melissa and as we were looking through all the photo albums, I saw from start to end of the loving life we all shared together. So many beautiful memories, never forgotten. So many happy trips, some tearful times as we lost other loved ones, when our son and daughter grew up, married, had beautiful grandchildren which each and everyone of them brought us tears of joy, tears of sadness when they moved away and tears of joy when they moved back. All those tears were and are nothing compared to the tears that have been pouring out of us now. We kept saying no, don’t leave us, but our precious Lord needed him home with him.
I can’t even begin to try to understand what life will be like without him. I know this is a walk I will never have to walk alone. With God holding my hand, our children and grandchildren, our mothers, siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends and church family will always be by my side. Knowing that, will In time get me strong again.
Craig, I’ve loved you with all my heart and always will.
Until we meet again, your loving wife, always and forever.
Diana

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Recent Tributes
July 5, 2020
July 5, 2020
Dear Aunt Ann, Cheryl and family, 
Walt and I are so very sorry to learn that Craig passed away. We send our deepest sympathy and prayers to you. Walt has many fond memories of Craig at the cottage when they were young. Walt said how much he always liked Craig...that he was such a kind, quiet, and good person. We are also very sorry that due to COVID we can’t comfort you in person, but know that you are loved and in our thoughts. May God bless and keep all of you in His divine care now and always.
Walt Hovendon and Teresa Leavery Hovendon
July 2, 2020
July 2, 2020
Diana, Kate and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. We have such fond memories of our time with the two of you... So much fun... So many laughs... Please know that we are with you in mind and spirit.

Take Care
July 1, 2020
July 1, 2020
Aunt Ann, Cheryl, Howard, Diana, Christopher and Melissa, I am so sorry to hear about Craig. My heart breaks for you all. I have such great memories of cousin Craig from my youth. What a wonderful and nice guy. Although I hadn't seen Craig since we were kids, my brother told me what a fantastic craftsman he became and how he was still as nice as we remembered as when we were kids. God Bless Craig and all of you. 
Recent stories
June 27, 2020
Craig the most wonderful man I never met. He was so kind, gentle. I wish we had more time but God said enough...…….no more pain. And for that I am thankful. We will meet again and that will be my happy day. You will be missed.

You left me with happy memories that I cherish.  Diane will be cared for I promise you.
So rest now my son-in-law.

You will always be in my heart,
Mom Howard

To the man that chose me

June 27, 2020
You didn’t have to take us in and raise us as your own.  I know you fell in love with my mom, but thank you for falling in love with us as well. You did not have to.

You are the strongest, most loving man in the world, willing to take on two kids that originally, were not your own - because you loved them and their mother.  I never thought of you as my ‘step-father’ – you have always been my dad.  Thank you for showing me what selflessness looks like.  You are the prime example of what putting your family first looks like. If me wanting something meant that you would go without,  you always sacrificed.  You never made a decision without your family at the forefront of your mind.  You are the definition of strength.

Thank you for showing me what a great man looks like .  I hope you know that I am the person I am today because of you and Dasani is the man he is, because of you.  You are the best papa!  You taught Dasani to be loving, respectful, kind, creative and independent.  You always showed him patience and love.  Thank you for every "job" you did with him and "going to work" no matter the time of day or how tired you were at the time.  

I will never be able to fully express the love and gratitude I feel towards you.  There are so many things that I could thank you for, so many memories that I cherish - made possible only because of you.  When I think of you, I will always remember that you chose me.  You decided to step up and love me. You choosing me is a blessing I could never thank you enough for.

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