Craig Robert Stork was born April 8, 1978 in Cincinnati, OH to Robert and Eileen Stork, and left our lives on August 12, 2024. He is survived by his parents, his sisters Caroline Stork Ellison (children Adelyn and Ella), Clare Stork Wilson (Robert), and many friends and family.
From a young age, Craig knew the meaning of cherishing his family. One afternoon when he was 3 years old, he was out at a strawberry patch picking fruit with his dad. After about 30 minutes of picking, he came up and said, “Daddy, can we go home now? I’m full”. Little did dad know, Craig had been off eating strawberries the whole time! When Craig was 4 years old, he starred on the Uncle Al show in Cincinnati. He was featured with his sister Caroline dancing on the drum box. Craig’s love of sports began early. As soon as he was able to sit up, he was watching Indiana University basketball and Coach Bobby Knight. He played little league baseball, organized basketball, and soccer. He attended basketball camp at Xavier and never missed an opportunity to learn and develop relationships.
Craig attended Madeira High School, where he played basketball, football, and participated in the marching band and concert bands, all while proudly wearing #21. He played offensive end for the Mustangs in the fall, while also playing First Trumpet in the marching band at halftime. His marching bands always went to state competitions and participated at a high level. Although he loved football, his real love was basketball. His mentor and friend throughout his life was Coach Jim Reynolds of the Madeira Mustangs. Under his coaching, Craig’s 1996 senior year basketball team won the CHL, and advanced to the regional finals in the state of Ohio, where they lost by 1 pt to the eventual State Champion. There was never a summer when he and his friends weren’t in the family swimming pool playing pool ball. Highlights of his life included meeting Coach K. at Duke, Coach Roy Williams of UNC, and getting a personalized letter from Indiana University Coach Bobby Knight.
Following high school graduation, Craig went on to play basketball for the Fighting Christians at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, OH. Life had other plans for him and brought him back to Cincinnati, where he attended the University of Cincinnati and became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. His fraternity brothers became his life long friends, and were friendships he cherished greatly. After graduating from college with a degree in Education, he went to teach in New York City public schools, where he had his first basketball head coaching job. Following his return to Ohio, he went on to coach teams at Madeira, Finneytown, and Bethel Tate high schools.
Craig loved to travel around America, and made it to 49 of the 50 states. He said his favorite place was Maui, Hawaii, and vowed to make it back there one day. His family always enjoyed hearing stories of his trips with friends to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Cabo San Lucas. They were always so entertaining! He had a way of making a sandwich out of every meal, because boy, did he love bread! His favorite sandwich, as he tells it, is the Philly Cheesesteak from Penn Station Subs, not to be outdone by the Italian Roast Pork from DiNic’s in Philadelphia, PA.
He will be remembered as a person who loved his friends and always wanted the best for everyone. He dedicated his life to helping others, all the way until the end. He will be missed by all who love him.
Visitation will be held on Friday August 16, 2024 from 10-11 am. at St Paul Community United Methodist Church in Kenwood, OH. Funeral services will follow at 11 am. with Reverend Brian Gath officiating. Burial will follow at Greendale Cemetery in Osgood, IN. Online condolences may be placed at Nealsfuneralhome.net
In lieu of flowers, in honor of Craig’s love of his nieces, please donate to Cancer Free Kids of Cincinnati. https://www.cancerfreekids.org/