Craig Drezek, age 49, beloved husband and cherished father of five children, entered into eternal rest on June 3, 2020, at Yale-New Haven Hospital after a courageous battle with Covid-19. He was the devoted husband of Jamie-Lyn Holly Drezek.
Craig was born in New Haven on Feb. 5, 1971, son of Patricia Ricca Drezek of New Haven and the late Roger J. Drezek.
He was a graduate of Maloney High School in Meriden in 1989 where he earned All-State honors in basketball.
He went on to Post University to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting where he also played basketball, led the nation in free throw percentage, graduated in 1993 as the all-time leading scorer and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.
He earned his Master’s Degree and Administrative Certification in Education from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield and his 6th Year in Executive Leadership from the University of Connecticut.
After graduating Post University, Craig was hired as the Team Accountant for the NBA New York Knicks, a true dream job for Craig.
But his passion for bettering the lives of children led him to change his career path as he pursued his teaching career at Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury.
Craig’s talents were immediately evident as not long after joining after Sacred Heart, he was promoted to administration and became Principal, then President of Sacred Heart High School.
From there, Craig moved on to begin his career in public education first as Principal of Derby High School and then Wamogo Regional High School where he was soon promoted to his first superintendent position, as Superintendent of Region 6, being one of the youngest superintendents in the state.
Craig’s impact on the students of Connecticut continued to grow when he then took on the role of Executive Director of Highville Charter School in New Haven.
Not only taking a struggling school to new levels of achievement, but expanding the school to include a high school and acquiring a new multi-million dollar building, creating multi-million-dollar technology partnerships and program collaborations among public, private and municipal industries. It was becoming clear to the education world that Craig’s impact was boundless.
It was then, in September 2018, that the opportunity to join Goodwin University as Superintendent of Goodwin University Magnet Schools and Dean of Early College Programs and Educational Partnerships was presented to Craig. It was the perfect next step for Craig to expand his talents to the next level and continue to develop programs and reach a new dynamic of students, families, and communities.
Craig worked tirelessly to align the University and the magnet schools, philosophically and academically. He was an innovator, always looking for ways to find new learning pathways for the youngest members of the Goodwin campus to the oldest. Craig had a larger-than-life presence which was offset by his true commitment to creating new educational opportunities for students — especially those operating at a disadvantage. He was endlessly resourceful, disarmingly down to earth, and embodied all that is right about a true educator.
It is impossible to accurately convey the incredible impact Craig has made on not only the Connecticut education system, but the lives of the students, families, and communities that he worked with along the way.
The only thing second to Craig’s career was his family. His wife and his children were his world. Craig fiercely loved his family. Everything he did, he did with his family on his mind and in his heart. Having met his wife Jamie in college and immediately bonding over their love of basketball-it was a match made in heaven.
As their family grew with each child, it was evident what an amazing and dedicated father Craig was becoming.
Whether making crafts with them at the holidays, taking them shopping (and he was the best shopper for sure), or coaching them in whatever sport they played-he always gave it everything he had and enjoyed every minute of it. He was always so thoughtful and never forgot a special date and had a memory like no other.
Every minute of every day, his family always knew they were loved immensely and they were his first priority always. Nothing would ever come before them. He planned special trips and fun nights always thinking what would make everyone happy. He worked so hard to arrange his schedule around every practice and game to make sure he would be there to support his children as he was their number one fan in everything they did.
He was the most amazing husband and dad. And for those he chose to be his friend, they were very lucky as well.
There was nothing better than listening to a Craig story or getting to spend a night being entertained by Craig. He always had your back and had an amazing heart. He truly was one of a kind in every aspect of his life. He had a heart of gold, and was a truly unforgettable person who will be beyond sorely missed by all. Craig has left an indelible imprint on the lives of all that he has met.
Besides his wife Jamie, he will be lovingly remembered and missed by his only son, Caden Drezek, and adoring daughters, Alexandra, Sydnie, Kiley and Colbie Drezek all of Seymour.
He will also be greatly missed by his brother, Christopher Drezek (Alisa) of S. Windsor, father-in-law, Paul Holly of Oxford, in-laws, Jessica and Michael Flanagan of N. Andover, MA, nieces, Olivia and Samantha Drezek and Ella and Brenna Flanagan and endless friends and numerous colleagues. He was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Sharon Bryce Holly who adored him and his favorite uncle, Leon Drezek.
Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic restrictions, his visitation on Thursday, June 11th and Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia at 9:30 am on Friday, June 12th will be limited to family and close friends.
All are invited to attend the interment services in Mountain Meadows Cemetery in Seymour following mass on Friday, June 12that 10:45 am. The SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia has been privileged with the arrangements. To sign Craig’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit http://www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Craig Drezek Memorial Fund to help support his children at https://fundly.com/craig-drezek-children-education-and-memorial-fund.
