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Light a Candle
Craig Seastead was born on February 6, 1940 and raised in Corry, Pennsylvania to the late Arnold & Ruth Seastead. Craig spent lots of time as a child in his father's drug store "Sea's Drugs" and at Chautauqua Lake, New York.
Craig was just 18 when he met Gretchen Coblentz, at the Chautuaqua Institution Bookstore. They dated throughout college and married on June 10, 1963 in Westfield, NY. He attended Penn State University and graduated with a degree in Industrial Psychology.
After Craig and Gretchen were married they moved to DC, where Craig served as an officer in the Coast Guard for 4 years. He continued his education and received his Master's Degree.
Craig and Gretchen were blessed with four children, Kurt Arnold, Amie Jean, Kristen Ruth, and Bryan Robert. They lived in New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut over the years. However, they always maintained their summer cottage on Chautauqua Lake, where Craig enjoyed sailing and fishing.
Craig worked for Xerox Corp for 33 years in Human Resources. He loved spending time with his wife and children. He enjoyed hobbies such as woodworking and home improvement, where no projects were too small for Craig. When one of his children was diagnosed with dyslexia, Craig also figured out his own struggles had a name. Two of his grandchildren also have dyslexia.
After retiring, Craig and Gretchen moved to Bradenton, Florida. Craig joined a band playing his beloved banjo. "The Pleasant Family" recorded 3 CD's and played professionally at events. He had the time to play more tennis during the mild Florida winters. Craig and Gretchen had many high spirited card games with their friends.
Only July 21, 2012, Craig was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He passed on January 18, 2013 with his loving wife, Gretchen, at his side.
Surviving Family:
Gretchen Coblentz Seastead, wife. Four sisters-in-law and families.
Bob Seastead, brother, his children and their families.
Children (spouses): Kurt Seastead (Sally Seastead), Amie Gray (Steve Gray), Kristy McUmber (Keith McUmber) and Bryan Seastead (Melissa Seastead).
Grandchildren: Katie, Erik, Nate, Emily, JT, Sam, Grace, Alison, & Scott.
If you would like to leave a special memory or note, please visit the Memorial Wall tab. Thank you.
For more information about the band: www.thepleasantfamily.com
Memorial Donations may be made in his honor at:
The International Dyslexia Association @ www.interdys.org
American Brain Tumor Association @ www.abta.org
