Donald William (Don) Cragg

It is with great sadness that we share with you the peaceful passing of Donald (Don) William Cragg (85) at his home in Topsfield on Friday evening June 24, 2022. This week we celebrate his incredible life. Don is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Elizabeth (Liz) Fobes Cragg, and his children Scott of Clifton, VA, Collette Hanlon of Rowley, MA, Bill and his wife Nancy of St. Louis, MO, Kelly and his wife Lisa of Danvers, MA, Jeff Stewart of Nashua, NH and Sarah Stewart and her husband Brian McGuigan of Wolfeboro, NH.

Don was an adoring husband. He found the love of his life when he was introduced to Lizzie by her daughter Sarah and his son Kelly. Don was happiest with Lizzie by his side. They traveled the world together making lifelong friends in every state and country they visited. Home however is where he loved to be most of all, sitting by his pool, his golf green, his blueberry bushes, his apple trees, and his Reeds Ferry shed. His Australian Shepards at his feet and sharing his afternoons with good friends and family; this was true success in Don’s eyes. He exuded tremendous pride when he spoke of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Kyle, his eldest grandchild and his wife Molly blessed Don (Poppie) and Lizzie with their first great grandchildren, Mason, Leni and Owen. Elizabeth, their eldest granddaughter shares her grandfather’s passion to teach; Cass, Katie and Erin Hanlon share his desire to win at everything; Lily, Duncan and Grace share his curiosity and love of family, and Kaitlyn and Keegan kept their Poppie youthful. Don will embrace his grandson, Kai William Cragg in the heavens. He enjoyed crisscrossing the country to attend his grandchildren’s lacrosse games, hockey games, swim meets, golf tournaments, softball games and on and on and on. He watched, he cheered, and he shared his constructive commentary. Although he began his career in the hospitality industry, Don is best known for pioneering indoor sports throughout the northeast. Owner and operator of Beverly Sports Arena, Topsfield Sports Arena and Team Sports, Don was a winning coach and mentor who would donate his time to anyone who possessed the desire to learn. He could bring out the best in you and his belief in your full potential would not waiver. He enjoyed everyone he met, no matter how brief. Don had a gift to gab and could strike up a conversation with anyone. As children we could not wait for him to finish his speeches. Today we cherish these words of wisdom.

His life will be celebrated in a private family ceremony. It was his wish to take this journey quietly, no fuss, no heartache. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Every Kids Sports, https://everykidsports.org/
For those wishing to share a memory of Don with his family, please visit www.cgfuneralhomegeorgetown.com
The Conte - Giamberardino Funeral Home, 14 Pleasant Street, Georgetown has been entrusted with Don's care.
 

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