Craig Randall Bryan, Sr., age 72 years, of Saint Cloud, FL, former longtime New Jersey resident, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, NJ.

Born on June 25, 1950, in Plainfield, NJ, son of the late Donald L. Bryan, Sr. and Dorothy Oates Bryan, Craig was raised in North Plainfield and had lived in Dunellen, and Green Brook prior to moving to St. Cloud, FL in 2003.

With a zest for life, Craig left a lasting impact on the hearts of all who knew and loved this gentle giant.

Having a mechanical mind, Craig worked early in his career as a machinist for Hill Manufacturing, then at Picut Manufacturing where he made the prototype for the ceramic braces that you see today, as well as heat tiles for the space shuttle. He would later go on to own and operate B & B Ultrasonic, High Bridge, NJ. After moving to Florida, Craig embraced his inner child and worked as a machinist then an attraction mechanic for Walt Disney World, where he was well regarded by his colleagues and known to be able to figure out any issue that came his way.

While working hard was definitely a love of Craig’s, his passion for work came out of the desire to ensure that his family was well cared for in every regard. Meeting Ms. Ellen Kinney in 1970 at a mutual friend’s wedding, it was love at first sight for Craig. His dancing the ‘Cha-Cha’ at the wedding didn’t scare Ellen away, so the two knew fairly quick that they were destined for each other.

Marrying on August 27, 1972, in Middlesex, NJ, the couple would be blessed with four children, Craig Bryan, Jr., Jessica Ellen Bryan, and the twins, Juston and Jason Bryan. Sadly, both Jessica and Jason passed away as infants, but forever remained in the hearts of their father as well as the entire family. Craig and Juston fondly remember their father as a man who had their back at every turn; a man who supported and loved them unconditionally. He taught by example and showed that hard work for one’s family is noble work. The biggest lesson they both recalled however, was the way Craig treated Ellen; respect and love were paramount. It was a clear road map for how they should live their own lives.

Craig fit in with any group, so both he and Ellen’s large families came to appreciate Craig’s wit and storytelling. He had a passion for traveling, and he and Ellen greatly enjoyed Cruising, traveling to Europe and driving around the United States in their RV. Craig also loved to make sure everyone he knew experienced the magic of Walt Disney World.

The couples large RV was just one of many of Craig’s, “Big Boy Toys”; from motorcycles, to snowmobiles, to cars, Craig loved anything mechanical and fast. Craig was very supportive of Juston, when at 10, he joined the 4-H go kart club. Craig even got his own go cart so he could race too! He also greatly enjoyed camping, and a meal with family and friends, spending time laughing, eating, and drinking, was always on the top of his favorite things to do list.

In addition to his parents and children, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Alvah and Patricia Elizabeth Kinney, and a sister-in-law, Patricia Troyanowski.

Surviving is his wife, Ellen; his sons and daughter-in-law, Craig Bryan, Jr. and Juston and Nicole Bryan; his grandchildren, Lily, Grace, and Abigail; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald L. Bryan, Jr. and Charlene, Rodger and Rosemary Bryan, and Keith and Kila Bryan; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Rich Troyanowski, Nancy and Gil Bourgeois, Mark and Susan Kinney, and Eric Kinney; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family; and many dear friends.

In New Jersey, there will be a celebration of life for Craig on August 27, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., at 1064 Old York Road, Ringoes, NJ 085-in-law 51. Friends and family, if they wish, are requested to write a short note, and/or memory of Craig and bring them with them to the celebration.

For family and friends in Florida, there will be gathering on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at VFW Post #3227, 915 New York Avenue, St. Cloud, FL, 34769.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

You are encouraged to visit Craig’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

Memorial contributions in honor of Craig may be made to an education fund to support his grandchildren’s future educational needs. Please click HERE to be taken to his personal donation page, or if you prefer to mail a check, please make it payable to ‘In Memory Of’ noting ‘Craig Bryan Sr.’ in the memo and mailing to: In Memory Of, P.O. Box 5472, Charlottesville, VA 22905. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated by the family.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

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