When Elizabeth Dunton submitted a photo to commemorate the 65th wedding anniversary of her parents it was accompanied by a couple of lines detailing the number of children and grandchildren. Surely, there was much more to the story. We asked and this is what we learned:

Ann Elizabeth Murphy and Robert Leahy Craig, Jr., met through Bob’s sister. After dating and falling in love, they married on October 12, 1956, at St. Peter Church in Warwick. Ann graduated from what is now Rhode Island College in 1956, majoring in Education, while Bob graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1955 with a degree in Agricultural Chemistry, and a commission in the Army through the ROTC program.

Bob and Ann soon began a family that grew to five children; Robert III, Michael, Elizabeth, Carolyn, and Susan. Bob continued his service in the Army Reserve, serving in the 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion, and achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. Ann continued her education, earning a Masters degree in Reading Education. She worked as a Reading Specialist in the Johnston Public School system until her retirement in 1995.

In 1970, Bob launched his own company, Spectral Chemical, now based in Warwick. Over the years, he employed many family members at Spectral, and sold the company to his children, Michael and Carolyn, in 2001. Bob still enjoys working on new formulas and products for Spectral.

A family trip to Disney World via RV for the bicentennial in 1976 elevated Bob and Ann’s commitment to family camping, and led to the Craig family motto of “C’s the Day!”, which has adorned each of their RVs since that time. These campers made annual trips to Siesta Key, Florida, during school February vacations while Ann was teaching, as well as cross-country trips after their retirement. Family members were always welcome to join them, leading to many adventures which will always be remembered by their children and grandchildren.

Along with their five children, their sixty-five years of marriage and love has produced eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Bob and Ann have lived their lives with a strong Faith in God, and have been communicants at St. Clement and Rose Church for many years. They continue to “C’s the Day” and their love continues to grow.