Berlin, NY – William Hull Craib, 93, passed on at home in the arms of his family on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Born in Troy, New York, August 5, 1926, he was the son of the late William G. Craib and Mildred H. Craib
He graduated from Berlin Central High School at 16 years old and joined the Navy six weeks later in August 1943. After testing, the Navy V-12 Program enrolled him at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he achieved his degree in Aeronautical Engineering and was subsequently sent to California to work on guided missiles and pilotless airplanes (drones).
After active duty he returned home to Berlin where he decided to try dairy farming since he loved working outdoors. He continued in the Naval Reserves for 19 years. He was a long-time member of the American Legion and faithfully participated every year in the Memorial Day Parade. And his uniform still fit!
In August of 1952, he married Hildur Phyllis Wally Zwinge; they were married for over 67 years. During that time, William’s interest turned from dairy farming to construction and machinery, for during that era, skilled farm help was difficult to find, and he had always loved machines and airplanes.
He was an independent excavation contractor for forty years who worked on jobs all over New York State, including the town of Berlin where he was the contractor building bridges, the transfer station, and the town garage. He worked in concert with the town forces on several projects in order to reduce the cost to the town. In later years, he worked as a consulting engineer. Those who worked with him admired his skills and knowledge.
During this time, William and Phyllis had three daughters: Sherri Klein, Clari (Maurice) Derosia, and Cristi (Daniel) Lamontagne. He is survived by his wife; daughters; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; as well as his sister Pat and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Rod. In his last months he would say that he was an old man and couldn’t do much anymore, but that he loved and appreciated his family.
His favorite song was “Sentimental Journey,” a World War II classic, and his
favorite saying was “Let’s have a little laugh.” Many family and friends describe him as “a legend in his time.”