Obituary of Craig L. DeNee

Dansville – Craig L. DeNee, 80 years of age, passed away Sunday May 2, 2021 at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville. Craig was born March 25, 1941 in Endicott, NY the son of Archie and Lullabelle (June) DeNee. He spent his early years in Maywood, NJ and then his education and employment took him to many different areas. He attended Paul Smith’s College in the North Country and then earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Farleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey; followed by his Master’s Degree in Education from Syracuse University. Craig was a life-long educator at different schools and facilities throughout his life; including, Industry in Rush, Newark State School and many years at Craig Colony in Sonyea. Craig’s heart though was helping the less fortunate. He was a passionate advocate for the mentally handicapped and repatriating people from downstate to homes in our surrounding local communities. Craig and Marsha Briggs were married August 14, 1965 in Pittsford and together have celebrated over 55 years of marriage. They purchased a farm in Dansville and named it Echo Hill Farm and resided there for many years. Craig was an avid sportsmen and shot firearms competitively for years. He shared his father’s passion for trains and life on the railways as well as scouting. Craig became an Eagle Scout at the young age of 14. Scouting sparked his interest in hunting, fishing and shooting. Craig was pre-deceased by his parents, Archie and Lullabelle DeNee. He is survived by his wife, Marsha DeNee of Dansville; his sons, Jeffrey (Tanya) DeNee of Naples and James (Heather) DeNee of Ossian; his grandchildren, Brynn, Heath, Paige, Lexus, Reese, Tatum, Chloe and Marshall; his twin brother, Kirk (Cheryl) DeNee of VA; his sisters and brothers in law, Marilyn Kay Briggs of Webster, Barbara (George) Haberman of PA and Charles (Sheila) Briggs of Fairport; along with several nieces and nephews. Craig’s family and friends may call Saturday from 1-4pm at St. George-Forsythe Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St., Wayland. Social distance, facial covering and no contact policies will be in effect. Following the calling hours will be a semi-private celebration of life service for family and extremely close friends that will be live streamed at https://youtu.be/Ja75hNPFMRU Contributions in memory of Craig L. DeNee may be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843 or to Begin Again Horse Rescue, 2828 Plank Rd, Lima, NY 14485.