On February 12, 2022, at the age of 82, Phillip Stanley Craft passed away bravely at Midstate Medical Center in Meriden, Connecticut. Born on September 14, 1939, in Maryland, Phillip was a man of great courage, compassion, and dedication. He leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and cherished memories.
Phillip was the beloved father of Allyson Craft Budnick of Wallingford and the proud grandfather of Richard A. Budnick of West Hartford and Joseph J. Jacobson of Wallingford. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.
Predeceased by his parents, Herman Perry Craft and Louina Marey Pfannebecker Craft, Phillip was the last of twelve siblings. His brothers and sisters—Doris Tsakonas, William Craft, Marcia Clark, Louis Craft, Perry Jr. Craft, Rodney Craft, Robert Craft, Donald Craft, Alfrod Craft, Franklin Craft, Martha Ann Craft, and David Craft—had all passed before him, making Phillip the final member of a remarkable family.
Phillip’s life was marked by his dedication to his country. He served two tours in the Vietnam War as an Army infantryman, where he was recognized for his bravery with a Purple Heart and several other commendations. His service was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the values of duty and honor.
After his military service, Phillip found a new way to contribute, working as a welder for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft. For 30 years, he demonstrated his skill and work ethic, first at the Southington plant and later retiring from the North Haven plant. His contributions in this field were as steadfast as his military service.
Phillip’s personal life was filled with love and joy. He had a special bond with his best friend and companion, Chico Budnick. He also enjoyed gambling, spending time with his many friends, and, above all, spoiling his daughter and grandsons. His warm-hearted nature and zest for life touched everyone who knew him.
Graveside services to honor Phillip’s life were held on March 5, 2022, at the State Veterans Cemetery at 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, Connecticut. A celebration of his life followed at the Grand Central Café in Wallingford.
In honor of Phillip’s love for animals, donations were requested to be made to the ASPCA or local animal shelters, reflecting his compassionate spirit.
The family extended special thanks to the dedicated staff and nurses at both Masonic Healthcare and Midstate Medical Center for their care and support during Phillip’s final days.
Phillip Stanley Craft’s life was a testament to courage, dedication, and love. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.