Craig Culver, 89, of Chatham Township, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2024. He was born in St. Augustine, Florida, but spent most of his young life in Leeds, New York. After growing up on a farm and attending classes in a three-room schoolhouse, Craig broadened his horizons through his service in the United States Army, being stationed in Germany for two years. Thereafter, Craig took to New York City, which is where he got his start on Wall Street while attending night school at Columbia University, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science.
As a member of the New York Stock Exchange, Craig spent 45 years among the ‘Canyon of Heros’ before retiring in 1999. During his time on the floor, Craig had the honor of serving on the stock allocation committee. The friendships he made while on the NYSE were deep and lasted his lifetime.
In fact, it was through one of those friendships that he met the love of his life, Ellie. A colleague of Craig’s from Smith Barney introduced his sister-in-law, Ellie, to Craig. Shortly thereafter, Craig had Ellie as his bride and that colleague as his brother-in-law. Craig and Ellie were married in 1968 after meeting on a blind date at the Emerald Ball in New York City. The couple shared 55 happy years, raising two children in the greater New York area, surrounded by many dear friends and beloved extended family. Craig and Ellie were quite fond of cutting a rug together on the dance floor, and it was magic each time they did.
In his spare time, Craig could be found on the golf course. He was passionate about swinging the sticks and managed to have two holes in one! (Although, he would always say that his game didn’t reflect his actual devotion to the sport.) An avid runner, Craig completed 10 marathons. He also loved to sail, read and sing.
Faith and service were two cornerstones of Craig throughout his life. Through his deep commitment to the Catholic Church, he nurtured both his faith and his community as a regular volunteer ministering to the sick and driving for the Red Cross. Always seeking to broaden his mind, Craig was an avid participant in the ‘Just Faith’ program at his church which inspires action for justice.
Craig had a keen knack for telling a joke. He was an incredible and tireless provider for his family. He was a wonderful father and a loving husband. He will be missed.
Craig is survived by his wife, Eleanor Mylod Culver, daughter Colleen Culver Kirton-Archer, son Craig Culver, son-in-law James Archer, and grandsons Kevin, Sean and Ryan McEwan. He is pre-deceased by his son-in-law Scott Patrick Kirton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Craig’s name can be made to The Sisters of Life or Home Boy Industries.