Craig W. Tucker

On June 7, 2024 Craig W. Tucker, 77, of Dexter was reunited with his late wife and beautiful bride of 51 years, Anita M. Tucker.   He passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center.

Craig was born on March 24, 1947, in Watertown, NY, the son of the late William and Ninetta (Belcher) Tucker. He graduated from General Brown High School in 1965 and entered the United States Air Force in 1966, honorably serving until his discharge from Active Duty in 1969. Following his military service, he graduated from Jefferson Community College.

Craig was also a proud member of the Air National Guard 174th Attack Wing (The Boys from Syracuse) for 25 years and was deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1991.

On June 12, 1971, Craig married Anita Szelc and together they made their home in Dexter. He enjoyed a fulfilling career as an accountant at New York Air Brake and later retired from the Conboy McKay Law Firm. He enjoyed woodworking, building treasured gifts for his children and grandchildren, remodeling his home, and spent many hours crafting in his basement workshop. He also enjoyed many summers at the family cottage in Three Mile Bay.

Craig served as a Village of Dexter Trustee for many years and was a member of the Dexter American Legion Post #583.

He joined the Dexter Fire Department in June 1970, where he served as Corresponding Secretary in 1977, Recording Secretary in 1978 and 1979, and Treasurer in 1980 as well as from 1992 to 2012. Craig was elected President of the department in 1984 and held that position until 1990, the same year he was chosen as the Firefighter of the Year. 

Craig and his wife, Anita, who passed away on August 26, 2022, were a vital part of the foundation of the Dexter Fire Department for many years. Craig and Anita were together at all fire department functions, working tirelessly during the Dexter Field Days and manning the takeout fryer at the annual bullhead feeds. Due to his devotion to the department, Craig was again chosen Firefighter of the Year in 2013. To this day, Craig is the only member to ever receive Firefighter of the Year twice.

Among his survivors are his three daughters and their husbands: Sarah J. (Terry) Williams of Oswego, Emily J. (Michael) Lomber of Dexter, and Martha J. (Brian) Fitzgerald of Syracuse; four grandchildren: Brenna and Olivia Williams and Riley and Tucker Lomber; and two grand dogs: Mia and Paige Fitzgerald.  Also surviving are his four siblings: Corinne Tucker of Greeley, Colorado, Stephen (Linda) Tucker of Pillar Point, Sherman (Sheila) Tucker of Dexter, and Blair Tucker and his fiance, Constance Mack, of Virginia; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Johnson Funeral Home in Dexter. The Dexter Volunteer Fire Department will hold a fireman’s service with the sounding of the bell on Friday at 7:00pm.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, at the Johnson Funeral Home.  Burial will be immediately following in the Dexter Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in the memory of Craig may be made to the Dexter Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., c/o Gerry Kostyk, P.O. Box 145 Dexter, N.Y. 13634 and designated to the Last Station Fund, or to the NNY Community Foundation, 131 Washington St. Watertown, N.Y. 13601 and designated to the William Archer Scholarship Fund.

Online condolences may be left at www.dexterfuneralhome.com

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