Craig S. Chadwick

Spring 1953 – Winter 2024

Craig passed away peacefully at home, on February 24, with his wife and family lovingly at his side.

Craig “knew thyself.” He was a man of integrity and was guided by a strong moral compass. He said what he meant and meant what he said. He had a keen intellect and was well read, yet he was unassuming. He was curious and enjoyed digging into the details of the topic at hand. He was well versed in and concerned about the political, social and environmental issues of our time. His motto was “knowledge is power” and he was a stickler for facts and the truth. He was steady, practical, dependable, generous and sometimes stubborn.

Craig was born to Marion and George Chadwick, in Greenfield, MA and grew up there with his sister, Priscilla and Gramma Grant.

He attended Greenfield public schools, except for 2 years in high school, when he attended Deerfield Academy. He went on the earn a B.S. degree in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Craig was born to be a firefighter and firefighting was his lifelong passion. During college he became a EMT and Houseman (live in, call firefighter) on the Greenfield Fire Department. His plan was to pursue a career in the Fire Service, however life took a detour and he went to work in the insurance industry, at Phoenix Mutual. He moved to CT while working at Phoenix and became a volunteer firefighter in Rocky Hill, CT and later in Marlborough, CT.

After Phoenix Mutual, Craig worked at GroupAmerica, working his way up to a Senior Management position in Customer Service. He met his wife, Debra, there in 1989 and they began their “not so secret” romance and have been together ever since.

After GroupAmerica, Craig worked at MassMutual Life Insurance Company as a Manager/Director in Client Services. In 2009, he retired from MassMutual at 56 years young and checked a big item off his bucket list when he and Debra purchased their Cape Cod dream home (after looking for 4 years).

Debra and Craig created and shared many wonderful memories together hosting family and friends at their home. Craig was an avid and graceful skier and he and Debra enjoyed traveling with friends and taking ski trips to Vermont every year and a big ski trip out west that was extra special.

Craig loved living at the Cape and was happy staying on “the island.” He spent countless lazy days at the beach reading a library book, listening to music and chilling. He liked to putter in the yard with Debra and help her with her bees. He was so content just being at home.

Craig supported his community monetarily and with his service. He was destined to became involved with the Harwich Fire Service and was instrumental in the project planning for the new Station 2. Craig also served on the Harwich Planning Board for several years where his attention to detail and fact-finding skills served him well. He took pride and enjoyed serving on the planning board. Craig and Debra delivered Meals on Wheels together and he thoroughly enjoyed this weekly ritual. Every spring, Craig counted herring for the Harwich Conservation Trust and he was fascinated by the herring runs and this feat of nature.

Craig sparked a connection with the children of friends and family and was 100% present and engaged when he spent time with them, coloring and playing games and talking about fire trucks.

Craig was predeceased by his parents and nephew, Taylor Grogan. He is survived and missed by his wife, Debra Guerard, stepsons Ryan and Joshua (Kayleigh) Guerard, sister Priscilla Chadwick, sister-in-law Doreen Raskys, niece Chelsey Grogan Bohonowicz (Keith) and sweet grandniece, Scarlett Bohonowicz, and a host of cousins, extended family and friends.

Debra extends a heartfelt thank you and deep appreciation for the outstanding medical care and compassion Craig received for many years from the extraordinary Dr. Bhan and his team at Mass General Hospital, especially Nurse Colleen Garry, who Craig loved to banter with.

There will be a celebration of his well lived life, in the fall, at the 203 Bank Street Fire Station in Harwich, when the renovation project is complete. Check the Doane Beal & Ames website where Craig’s obituary will be updated with details for his Celebration of Life, once the date is finalized.

In his loving memory, donations may be made to The Harwich Fire Association for the 203 Bank Street Project. The Harwich Fire Association, P.O Box 23, Harwich Port, MA 02646.