Craig Alan Thomas, 62, died suddenly at home on September 5, 2023. Craig was born on November 1, 1960 in Burlington, Iowa to Melvin and JoAnn Thomas. He grew up in Foxboro, Massachusetts with his older siblings, Karen (Lui) and Cary. He graduated from Iowa State University and spent the rest of his life in Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida with his long-time partner, John Caputo.
After college, Craig managed Sarasota Jungle Gardens for eight years, applying his skill in the care of animals and his expertise in local flora. He then joined his parents to serve as the local cartographer for much of the Florida west coast through the family-owned House of Maps business in Sarasota for over 20 years.
Craig enjoyed playing bass guitar in his early years, was on the tennis team in high school and continued to play through his later years. He enjoyed biking, preparing specialty dishes, cultivating and gifting beautiful bonsai trees, Florida sunsets, exploring the dunes of Cape Cod with brother Cary as 'Early Campers', ending each day glass in hand, and overlooking his personal backyard 'Jungle Gardens'. Craig was admired by all who knew him for being amazingly considerate of all living things and people and was especially proud of being uncle to two nieces and two nephews.
Craig was preceded in death by his father (1-10-2023). His gentle soul and kind heart will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A special note from his husband, "You were my fondest hello and my most difficult goodbye."
