Craig Thomas Cox
Craig Thomas Cox, of Put-In-Bay, Ohio, passed away suddenly Sept. 19, 2024, in the warm embrace of his wife, Sharon Cox, and with family by his side. He was 68 years young.
Born in Cleveland, on June 11, 1956, to Margaret Elizabeth (nee Negrelli) and Nelson Henry Cox Jr., Craig had a true zest for life up until the end; a lifetime of accomplishments and achievements difficult to sum up in a series of heartfelt words.
In his earlier years, he followed in his father’s footsteps successfully achieving his PE in Mechanical Engineering from Cleveland State University and tackling fruitful careers at Ford Motor Co, Stouffer’s (Nestle) and Patio Enclosures where he embraced every challenge with a solution-minded attitude and care.
Despite years of the motto “C’s get degrees” and countless nightmares of a return to the classroom, Craig set foot on a personal milestone of completing the Executive MBA program at Baldwin Wallace College, proving to himself and his children that you’re never too old to master ‘hunt & peck’ typing nor to forge a new path.
With a Bachelor’s, MBA and seasoned experience behind him, Craig’s career pivoted, and he ventured into the world of agricultural manufacturing as owner/president and CEO of Springhill Construction in Dundee, Ohio. Through the next 10 years, he built positive memories, lasting friendships and a love for farm fresh eggs that will continue well into the afterlife.
Despite a career path that was both demanding and fulfilling, Craig pursued it all to support his main true loves: his family and PIB island living. For years, PIB had been his escape, building a summer home there in 2011. Craig ultimately turned this respite into his fulltime paradise when he traded in the daily grind for slow mornings in the sunroom with his retirement in 2020. Never one to sit still, in 2022 Craig joined Put-in-Bay Village Council. He was an influential leader, passionate community activist and councilman up until the very end.
Nevertheless, retirement gave time for hobbies, traveling, family and friends. Like something out of a fairytale, in his later years, Craig reconnected with an old friend, Sharon, with whom would become the love of his life.
On April 28, 2018, Sharon and Craig wed in a joyous celebration on the Bay. In the short time spent together, they seemingly did it all from building racecars to rehabbing homes to woodworking in ‘The Shop’ to traveling the world.
Craig and Sharon shared a love most only imagine. They built a wonderful Brady-Bunch family dynamic of combining two great families into one unified unit, likely his proudest accomplishment. It was the time spent with family that gave Craig the most pride and the raspberry kisses from his ‘Sidekick’, Paxton, which gave him the most joy. Life had come full circle.
Craig is survived by his wife Sharon (nee: Coles-Gronowski); children, Kevin (Nick Barton) Cox, Trish (Soren Germansen) Cox and grandson Paxton Germansen; step-children, Brittany and Zachary Gronowski; brothers, John and Nelson III, and sister, Polly Gray; alongside too many nieces, nephews and friends to count, as well as his former wife, Barbara Ducca (Anthony DiScenzo) with whom he stayed in touch.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Marie and brother Matthew, as well as lifelong friends Kenny Reed and Jeff Knuth, with whom we are sure he is enjoying a big party up in the sky.
Two Celebrations of Life will be held in Craig’s honor: Nov. 8, 2024, from 4-7 p.m., at Orchard Hills at Patterson Fruit Farm (11414 Caves Road, Chesterland) and another for Family and Friends of the Bay in June 2025.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Put in Bay Law Enforcement Foundation in Craig’s name, an organization near and dear to his heart. www.givebutter.com/pibpolicefund.
Craig radiated love and generosity everywhere he went; please let his legacy be forever etched into the stories you tell and the laughter you share.
Cheers to you Craig Cox.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.http://www.burrservice.com
