Obituary of Craig Watson McCalister

Craig Watson McCalister, age 54, died suddenly in New London, CT, on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Craig was born in Lockport, NY, on June 8th, 1968. He is the son of Gail (Sandstrom) McCalister and the late Watson McCalister. Craig graduated from Lewiston Porter in 1986, when he enlisted in the US Navy, reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer. In 1997 he joined the US Coast Guard, with which his last tour of duty was Leadership Instructor at the Coast Guard Academy, where he earned Instructor of the Year. He retired in 2011 as Chief Boatswain’s Mate. Upon retirement, Craig was able to pursue other passions. He tended bar, arranged entertainment, managed, and became partner at 33 Golden Street in New London. In 2015, Craig co-founded and was named Executive Director of Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services (VETS). He was a mentor and friend to so many people throughout his life. In what little spare time he had, Craig loved to fish, especially with his brother. The lives and hearts Craig touched are countless. He was a protector, the best hug-giver, the best listener, the best supporter, the best advice- and perspective-giver, and when he loved – which was always – he loved fully and completely. Sometimes it was hard love, but it was always love. As so many have wished, “Rest in Punk” and “End of Watch, Chief.” In addition to his mother, Craig is survived by his son, Ian McCalister of Bay City, TX; sister, Tara (Todd) Plybon of Taylor, TX, brother, Drew McCalister of New London, CT, and sister, Beth McCalister of Youngstown, NY. Craig is also survived by several nephews, nieces, cousins, his aunt, Lorene Lankes of Huntley, IL, and his ex-wife, Lyn McCalister of Bay City, TX. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 22nd, at 4:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown, 100 Church Street, Youngstown, with Rev. Robert Hagel officiating. Private burial will be at Oakland Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Craig’s name can be made to VETS at https://vetsct.org/give/ or the Youngstown Presbyterian Church memorial fund at https://youngstownpres.org/giving.