Craig Abresch, Former ESRL Administrator, 67
Craig Abresch beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend passed away on May 31, 2022.
He was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Paula; and a brother, Bob.
Craig leaves behind: his wife of 41 years, Linda; their son, Stephen (Sarah Wright); their daughter, Nicole Abresch and her partner Tim Velasco; many brothers and sisters; nieces and nephews; and in-laws. His children were his pride and joy, and he loved their hearts, minds, independent spirits, and adventurous natures.
Craig served in the Coast Guard after graduating from high school in Canada. He used his GI bill to help finance his bachelor's degree from Salisbury University. It was there that he discovered his lifelong love of the study of philosophy. He received his master's degree in library information science from Drexel, and also worked toward a master's in history from Salisbury University. During his study of history, he spent many happy and productive hours working in the Nabb Research Center.
Craig loved the challenge of all kinds of complex building projects. He transformed his houses on Springfield, Polks, Pryor, Wilton, and Royal Troon and his daughter's houses on Somerset and Twin Tree. He was an avid gardener, fond of raising many vegetables including a rare variety of pole lima beans introduced to him by his mother– and father-in-law. He was also working on genealogy projects for both his mother's and his father's ancestors, and was building on the initial work of Nancy Honadel for his father's family.
As Stephen and Nicole were growing up, he served as a scout master for the Cub Scouts and a pit crew member for the Parkside High School Marching Band. He worked tirelessly on the Purnell-Thomas tennis tournaments. During his years in South Carolina, he was on the board for the Timrod Library and also on the board for the International Primate Protection League.
He worked for many years and on many statewide committees to bring better network and computer access to the Eastern Shore through its libraries as Associate Director of the Eastern Shore Regional Library.
Graveside services will be held at the Oxford Cemetery on Monday, July 18, 2022 at 11 a.m. and will be led by his brother Bruce Abresch.
Donations in Craig's memory can be made to the Timrod Library at 217 Central Avenue in Summerville, SC 29483.