FALLSBURG — The passing of Craig Cookingham last August was a very sad day for his family, friends, and co-workers on the staff of Fallsburg Central School District (FCSD). From stories by his family and colleagues, it was apparent that Craig was beloved by everyone that he met. As a maintenance specialist on the custodial staff, no matter what was not working Craig could fix it. That is simply who he was, knowledgeable, experienced, and ready to make things better.    

In June of 2021, just as the school year was ending, the Fallsburg High School received a grant from Sullivan Renaissance, written by Kristen Meyer, to plant a garden at the entrance to the school library. Kristen enlisted The Environmental Club (advised by Goranka Rogg), as well as several other students and staff, to bring the garden to life. Students and staff took up shovels and planted the shrubs and flowers. Craig was present and helped with the layout of the garden and provided his assistance when needed. He was truly a part of this special project.

Ever since that time and after his passing, staff thought about Craig and creating some memorial project in his honor at the school. What a more perfect place to remember him than at this special garden. Kristen Meyer, of the Technology Department, along with Nick Tranchina, Director of Facilities, championed a plan to place a plaque on the wall and a bench to honor Craig at the outside entrance to the library.

On June 30, 2022, many of Craig’s family, including his life-long companion Barbie, his daughter Brianna, and his mother LeeAnn Besimer, who is a retired teacher from Benjamin Cosor Elementary School, joined Kristen, Nick, Craig's former coworker Remington Parker, and School Superintendent Dr. Ivan Katz in celebrating Craig Cookingham’s service to his colleagues, the students and the staff at FCSD.

On the plaque are the words: “In Loving Dedication, Craig Cookingham, 9/10/84 – 8/26/21 Alumni, Staff, and Friend of the Fallsburg Comet Family.” Just below the dedication it says, “Those we love don’t go away, they sit beside us every day…” The beautiful marble and wrought iron bench is located just below this plaque.

Please visit the garden area, sit for a while, and remember this good soul, Craig Cookingham.