Parkton Community Mourns the Sudden Passing of Beloved Resident Craig Wolinski
PARKTON, Maryland — The small and close-knit community of Parkton is reeling from the sudden and heartbreaking passing of Craig Wolinski, a man whose warmth, humor, and compassion touched every life he encountered. His unexpected departure has left a profound void among family, friends, and neighbors who continue to process the loss of someone described as the “heart” of the town — a man who gave freely of his time, love, and energy to everyone around him.
Born and raised in Maryland, Craig Wolinski, 49, spent most of his life in the Parkton area, where his strong work ethic and genuine care for others made him a respected and admired member of the community. Whether volunteering at local events, helping a neighbor with a home project, or simply sharing a conversation at a coffee shop, Craig had a way of making every person feel valued and appreciated.
Those who knew him say that his kindness wasn’t performative — it was who he was at his core. Friends remember how he’d be the first to lend a hand, whether that meant shoveling snow for an elderly neighbor or helping coach a local youth sports team. “Craig didn’t just talk about being kind,” said Sarah Denton, a longtime friend and neighbor. “He lived it every single day. You always felt better after being around him.”
Professionally, Craig was known for his dedication and diligence. He worked for many years in engineering and project management, where colleagues admired his reliability, problem-solving skills, and the calm, friendly energy he brought to even the most stressful situations. Coworkers described him as a team player who lifted others up, celebrated their successes, and led by example.
Outside of work, Craig’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his wife Melissa, and their two children, Evan and Grace, who remember him not only as a devoted husband and father but as their greatest supporter. His family shared that Craig was happiest during simple moments — cooking breakfast together on weekends, cheering from the sidelines at his children’s games, or spending evenings on the porch sharing laughter and stories. “He had this gift for turning ordinary days into something special,” Melissa said. “He made us feel safe, loved, and truly seen.”
Craig was also a man of deep faith and community spirit. He was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he participated in volunteer projects, food drives, and community outreach. His faith guided his actions, and he often spoke about gratitude, kindness, and living with purpose.
The news of his passing spread quickly through Parkton, sparking an outpouring of grief and remembrance. Residents organized a candlelight vigil at the town square on Tuesday evening, where hundreds gathered to share stories, offer prayers, and comfort one another. Friends described Craig as “the kind of person who made you want to be better” — a sentiment echoed again and again by those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Local officials and community leaders also extended their condolences. “Parkton has lost one of its finest,” said Mayor Andrew Collins. “Craig represented everything good about small-town life — generosity, connection, and service to others. His spirit will live on through the kindness he inspired in this community.”
A memorial service for Craig Wolinski will be held this weekend at St. John’s Lutheran Church, followed by a reception at the Parkton Community Hall. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Parkton Volunteer Fire Department or the Maryland Food Bank, two causes Craig regularly supported.
As the Parkton community grieves, one truth remains clear: Craig Wolinski’s legacy will not fade. His laughter, his love for his family, and his deep commitment to helping others will continue to echo through the lives he touched. In every act of kindness, in every shared smile, and in every moment of compassion, Craig’s spirit will live on — a reminder that even in loss, love endures.