Craig R. Weingart

1948-2026

SALEM — Craig R. Weingart, 77, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, in Salem, Ohio, following a brief illness.

Craig was born on Dec. 6, 1948, in Salem, Ohio, to the late Raymond H. and Kathleen H. (Jackson) Weingart. Growing up, Craig loved attending local fairs, participating in 4-H, spending time on the farm, and racing hot rods. He graduated from West Branch High School in 1967.

He married Karen S. Ring on Nov. 8, 1969. They spent 35 loving years together until her passing on Sept. 8, 2005. Craig and Karen shared many interests, but one of their favorite activities was to travel through Amish country together.

Craig spent 45 years working for General Motors from January of 1970 to January of 2015. He owned and operated his own business, Salem Oil and Propane, from 1997 to 2016.

Craig was an avid collector. His most commonly collected items include firearms, unique vehicles, books, tools, antique signs, and other odds and ends. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast, owning several Harley’s over the years as well as a Gold Wing. He loved to ride his motorcycles on short trips with his friends. As the available garage space began to disappear more each day, Craig looked for a new hobby that fueled his adrenaline. While he still found a way to obtain more space, he also started to look into travel. One of the highlights of his life was a bucket list trip to Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and Mount Rushmore with some of his grandchildren. Craig loved learning more about our National Parks, animals, and nature and hoped to travel more in the future.

Anyone who spent time with Craig realized he knew “a little bit about a lot of things.” He was almost a jack of all trades, which may explain why he tended to become totally immersed in a new project before finishing the last. As years passed, he became very knowledgeable about certain skills, trades, or projects. He was a beloved figure at the local Dunkin Donuts, often referred to as “the office,” where he would sit for hours drinking coffee and sharing stories, and some of that knowledge with his friends.

Among Craig’s many interests and endeavors over the span of his life, his most treasured time was that spent with his seven grandchildren. After his wife’s death, Craig made it his top priority to be the best Pop he could be (even if he complained about their demands from time to time!). Craig was a dedicated Grandpa who never missed a family gathering, and after so many, he learned to embrace the chaos each kid brought to the party.

Whether it was showing up for a sporting event, being their personal chauffeur, or giving them a good laugh, Pop was always there and always waiting for the right moment to say his own version of “I told you so.” His words were typically, “Well, I guess Pop knows something, doesn’t he?” Craig was known for his very sarcastic, but clever, sense of humor which will be missed by so many.

Craig leaves behind his two daughters, Meena Weingart and Megan (Mike) Gruszecki; a son, Matthew (Julia) Weingart; and seven grandchildren, Grace Weingart, William Weingart, Jacob Weingart, Ryan Gruszecki, Vivian Weingart, Jaxson Gruszecki, and Gwen Gruszecki. Craig will also be missed by his brothers, Timothy Weingart (Kathy) and Lance Weingart, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins as well as his beloved dog, Shorty.

Calling hours for Craig will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at Stark Memorial Funeral Home, located at 1014 E. State St., Salem, Ohio 44460. Another hour of calling hours will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Bunker Hill United Methodist Church, located at 15096 W. Middletown Road, Beloit, Ohio 44609. A funeral service will commence at 11 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Garrett Coffee (who is currently fighting stage 4 bone cancer): P.O. Box 9, Hanoverton, Ohio 44423.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home.

If unable to attend, send a complimentary “Hugs from Home” at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

To view Craig’s obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

2/18/26