Craig Naumec

Craig Charles Naumec, 45, of Manchester, Connecticut, passed away in the presence of loving friends and family on Saturday, June 6, 2015. Craig was a loving son, brother, husband, and friend and a proud and adoring uncle. He was born February 11, 1970, at Windham Hospital (BPOCN) to Charles and Teddy Naumec of Mansfield, CT. He leaves behind his wife, Mary; his mother and father; his brother Kelly and wife Lauri of Clearwater, FL; his sister Julie Hennig and husband Art of Farmington, CT as well as his nieces Taylor, Sarah, Leah, Julia, Melissa, Sophia and nephews Joe and Benny. Craig was a graduate of E.O. Smith High School and Eastern Connecticut State University. Craig joined The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp beginning in 1989 as a long-time volunteer and more recently as a full-time staff member. Craig shared with thousands of children and staff his light, compassion, loyalty, dedication, genuine friendship, and more than a little bit of mischief. Craig had a warm, gentle and respectful way of connecting with people that put them at ease allowing him to capture the joy and magic of the Camp program through his photo and video work. Craig was a very special person with an uncommonly big heart - an artist, storyteller and exceptional listener. Craig lived his life fully and with purpose. He was determined to invest his time in the people he loved, the causes he cared about and the things he loved to do. He delighted in cheering for the Huskies, reveling in a Red Sox championship or celebrating a soccer win with his nieces. Craig truly enjoyed connecting with and cooking for friends and family. He loved Shady Glen ice cream, Bidwell wings and just about anyplace he could get some good barbecue. Craig shared his life in perfectly framed photographs, capturing a camper's subtle smile, his travels around the world, and the lives of the people he loved. His photographs are works of art and are part of his everlasting legacy. Craig was known for his quick wit and never-ending sense of humor. He took great delight in his often elaborate and extended practical jokes. Craig knew how and when to make you laugh with a sense of humor that was ever-present even during hard times. Craig shared his life with his wife Mary, together mastering a life of love, laughter, determination and purpose. His generous spirit and humble nature will never be forgotten. He leaves behind countless friends, colleagues and family members who will deeply miss his jokes, his loyalty, and his fierce dedication to the things he believed in and the people he loved. Craig's family will receive friends on Sunday, June 14, 2015 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm at Potter Funeral Home at 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT. Funeral services will be held Monday June 15, 2015 at 10:00am at First United Methodist Church at 29 Puddin Lane, Mansfield Ctr, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, 555 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT 06511. To sign the online memorial book please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com