September 9, 1968 – May 18, 2021
SOUTHERN SHORES — After 52 years of a life well-lived, Craig Andrew Baker of Southern Shores, NC passed away unexpectedly while on business on May 18, 2021. Beloved husband of Stephanie Donovan Baker, and loving father of sons Nicolas and Graham, Craig was born in Silver Spring, MD on September 9, 1968. He was the son of Margo Williams Vandiver and Michael Baker.
Craig shared his grandfather Oswald’s passion for wine. After graduating high school in 1987, Craig moved to Germany and began his career working for German winemaker, Walter Strub, in Nierstein. Upon his return, he was hired as a wine buyer for Total Beverage in Virginia. He then went on to be mentored by legendary wine importer Robert Kacher, with whom he worked for over 25 years. Craig had also worked for importers Frederick Wildman & Sons, and Kysela Pere et Fils.
At the time of his passing, Craig was the Vice President of Sales for MISA Imports where he specialized in Burgundy Wine. He considered his executive team, coworkers, growers and customers family. MISA Founder, Sam Assaad, recognized Craig’s passion and talent for wine sourcing and gave Craig the honor of creating a line of “Craig Baker Selections,” artisanal wines with outstanding quality.
Aside from wine and family, Craig loved history, art, music, the ocean, and sports, especially lacrosse. He was an avid University of Maryland basketball fan, a UMD lacrosse fan, a Redskins fan, and, above all, a Capitols fan. He was also a man whose heart went to those who face gun violence, injustice and hardship.
Craig was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lillian and Paul Oswald, and his paternal grandparents, Thelma and James Baker. In addition to his wife and sons, he is survived by his mother, Margo Vandiver (James); father, Mike Baker; brother Steven Baker (Gwen); step-mother Louise Agnetti; stepbrother Joey Cuzzolina (Jen); step-sister Tracy Cuzzolina Ray (Marc); and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by his closest friends, who were also family.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Southern Shores at 3:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider a memorial gift donation to Sandy Hook Promise Foundation in his name online at https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/ or at PO Box 3489, Newtown, CT 06470.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
