Joseph “Joe” Craig, 99 years old, graduated to his heavenly home on December 13, 2025. His committed belief in God and his devotion to his family served as an example to all those that knew him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Margaret (Marge), his parents Jose and Anna Gonzalez, sister Virginia LoCascio and grandson Cole Hanes. Joseph was born in New York City in 1926.
In 1943 he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the pacific during WWII. He survived many battles and performed anti-submarine convey duty on Emirau Isle, Palau, Leyte, Lingayan Gulf and Nasughu. Joseph was recognized with many significant awards and medals for his service and regards to them and the Navy portion of his life very highly. He shared so many stories and experiences of those years and acknowledges the sacrifices made to preserve our freedom.
When he returned from the Navy he was employed by R. J. Sanders Company, a customer brokerage firm at the Laguardia Airport in Long Island. In 1950 Joseph married Margaret and their commitment to their faith and love for each other established their foundation and they celebrated 70 years of marriage. God blessed them with two sons, Mark Stephen Craig and Paul Jeffrey Craig. Both sons were dedicated to the Lord, taught, and encouraged to follow a Godly life and serve the Lord.
Joseph has been actively involved in helping build many churches and always considered it a privilege.
He served in Astoria Baptist Church and then moved to Roxbury, New Jersey and helped establish the Roxbury Baptist Church. “Joe” and “Marge” moved to Manteca in 1964 due to a large part of their deep and abiding commitment to their faith. They felt led to come to the “then” small town to help establish Calvary Baptist Church, a church that was then located on Button Ave. and built a larger and more modern house of worship on a larger piece of land on Lathrop Rd., and at the same time changed the name to Calvary Community Church.
Joseph was employed at the Manteca Post Office and then Manteca Unified School District. He is a member of the Disabled Veterans of American and the American Legion.
Surviving beloved relatives include: two sons- Mark and his wife Teri Craig, Paul and his wife Erika Craig; grandchildren- Jeffrey and Peaches Craig, Michael and Meredith Craig, Austin Hanes and Brandi Akard; great-grandchildren; Timothy and his wife Rhylee, Nathan, Bella and John Mark Craig; sisters Dolores Thomas and Marie Healy, Joseph will be buried at a private family service at the National Cemetery in Santa Nella. The family gratefully declines flowers and donations and asks for your continued prayers.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Friday, December 19, 2025
