Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

Jack passed away at the age of 77, after living a joyful and prosperous life. He left this world all too soon and will be sorely missed by family and friends. He was a handsome, smart, strong and caring man who modeled love and kindness for many.

He was born October 9, 1946 in Pittsburgh to Ralph Henry Craig and Marjorie Selma (Riefer) Craig. He was proud of his Scotch-Irish heritage from the Craig ancestors as well as the German heritage from the Riefer and Kline (Klein) families. He is survived by his loving spouse, Marilyn (Fluhr) Craig, with whom he shared 40 years of marriage. He is also survived by his two daughters, Jill Ann Whitaker (her husband, Chris) of Ofallon, MO; Jacqualine (Lynn) Maria Meyer (her husband, the late Rob) of Ofallon, MO; five grandchildren Christopher Whitaker (his wife Taylor Whitaker), Jacob Whitaker, Hank Meyer, Mandy Meyer (her husband Luke Fraley) and Ethan Opiela; and great-grandchildren Isla and Ruby Whitaker. Jack is also survived by his stepson, Larry A. Mertz, Jr. and stepdaughter Heidi Mertz.

Jack was a 1964 graduate of South Hills High School, Pittsburgh. Completed his undergraduate work in mathematics at the University of Pittsburgh and earned a Bachelor of Science (Cum Laude) in 1971. He went on to earn his Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Katz School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. During his university time, Jack worked for several major employers in Pittsburgh, including U.S. Steel, Westinghouse, and the University of Pittsburgh.

After graduation, Jack became a career public servant working for the US Department of Energy for almost 40 years. He was a well-respected nuclear materials accountability expert, and his service included six years in Vienna, Austria with the United Nations at the International Atomic Energy Agency. While overseas, he conducted world-wide inspections in support of the IAEA Non-Proliferation Treaty and traveled extensively for both business and pleasure. Jack's final decode of Federal Service was involved with stewardship environment restoration and disposition of post-cold war weapons production and detonation properties across the United States.

Jack enjoyed a long retirement and used some of the time to pursue remedies to regional environmental problems. He loved to travel, was a lifelong enthusiast of music, cumulating with a 20+ year dedication to the ukulele. During his life, Jack enjoyed snow-skiing, biking, boating, sailing, water-skiing, hiking and attending Jimmy Buffett concerts. For several years, he was an active member of the Pittsburgh Ski Club. He was also an active member of Western Pennsylvania American Mensa, including serving as a Testing Coordinator. Over his life, Jack was active in many social organizations including the Pittsburgh Parrot Head Club, Pittsburgh Area Camaro Enthusiasts, Steel City Ukuleles, Wine Brats and Grape Nuts.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Thursday and Friday, September 19 & 20, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. where a blessing service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Jefferson Memorial Park.