Obituary of Craig Hamilton Avedesian

Craig Hamilton Avedesian, 68, entered into God’s kingdom on October 21, 2023, surrounded with love by his family. He was born April 23, 1955 in Jersey City, NJ to Etta and Carney Avedesian. Craig first attended Shady Side Academy and graduated from The Peddie School before studying at Skidmore College and working for 46 years at the Federal Carbide Company, serving as the President since 1991 until his passing.

Craig married Mary Kay (Robertson) in 1981 and resided in Wyckoff, NJ working at Federal Carbide in Moonachie, NJ before moving the company with his brother, David, to Tyrone, PA in 1989. They have resided in State College, PA since, where Craig has been an active community member. Craig advocated for many local businesses, assisted in coaching his sons’ sports teams, sat on several boards, initiated the Our Lady of Victory (OLV) Teacher’s Trust Fund, and helped found the Clare Dahlia Snetsinger Memorial Fund, as well as fundraising for local charities. He also owned and operated Saint’s Café (1999-2021) in downtown State College.

Growing up he worked at a veterinary hospital, played football and track and field, and enjoyed his summers at the New Jersey Shore. He loved spending time with family, traveling, gardening, reading, studying history, and was engaged with his Catholic faith through service to others. Craig was a beautiful person inside and out. He will be remembered most by his smile, humorous personality, and ability to bring laughter and positivity to any moment. He led his family with strength, connected with friends through humility, and met strangers with compassion. 

Craig loved traveling with his wife and spending time with their children. He loved exploring new restaurants, cafes, and cathedrals, while bringing joy to the people he loved. In addition, his canine companions were dear to him, and were always close when enjoying classic films and sports games. 

Craig was the most devoted and loving Husband, Father and Grandfather and is survived by his wife, Mary Kay; their daughter, Kristen of State College, PA; Sons Matthew (Megan) and their son Henry of Brooklyn, NY; James (Jessica) of Boulder, CO; and Daniel (Natalie) of Washington, D.C.; brother David (Sarah) of State College, PA; sisters Jane Winchester of Little Silver, NJ and Lois Black of Little Silver, NJ. 

Family and Friends are invited to attend both the Visitation at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S Atherton St, State College, PA 16801, on November 3, 2023, from 1 pm – 3 pm and 5 pm – 7 pm.

Craig’s Celebration of Life Service will be held at 9 am on November 4, 2023, at OLV Church, 800 Westerly Pkwy, State College, PA 16801.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Abramson Cancer Center at The University of Pennsylvania, or the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016.