Craig Gustav Werner

To honor Craig G. Werner's life and legacy, we invite you to join us for an online service. His lifelong friend, Pastor Duane Steele will be officiating.

Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM EDT

Platform: Zoom

For more information, please contact the family.

Craig was born to LeRoy and Dorothy Werner on July 10, 1948. He attended the New York Institute for the Blind for his primary and secondary education, then attended New York University and Harvard University. He and Dawn were married on February 26, 1977 at Harvard University’s Memorial Church.

Craig received his Ph. D. in English from Harvard University in 1978. His first teaching job was as Visiting Professor to Kinjo Gakuin University in Nagoya, Japan. Upon returning to the states, Craig taught at San Diego State University, before moving to Buffalo State University, NY, where he taught Children’s Literature, served as Chair of the English department, and retired as tenured Associate Professor of English. Craig had an active career teaching children’s literature, presenting at conferences, and serving as president of the Children’s Literature Association. Craig authored more than 50 articles and papers including a a thought-provoking article regarding how a blind person may experience color and art: Getting the Picture: My Experience with Described Art | Disability Studies Quarterly

https://dsq-sds.org/index.php/dsq/article/view/3755/3283

Though blind since birth, Craig easily agreed to adventures such as international travel, hiking, riding horses and go-carts, and to driving the lawn mower. He became a professional storyteller and Laughter Yoga instructor. Craig had a delightfully dry sense of humor. For example, when storytelling to elementary students, he encouraged the kids to ask questions. One said, "Can you drive?" He answered, "Not far!"

Craig and Dawn traveled extensively to 26 countries, and made lifelong friends everywhere. They generously opened their home to many friends who travelled to the US.

Craig was brilliant, kind, funny, loving, compassionate, and gentle. He had a beautiful baritone voice, loved opera, and sang to us many times.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. He is survived by sisters-in-law Megan Altavilla and Pam Springer (Chip). He was beloved by many friends and their extended family members. He was Uncle Craig to many nieces and nephews. Craig’s recent years were bearable through the devoted care from his friend and aide, Kenneth McMillan.

Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice.