WILMINGTON — Jack R. Criss, age 79, passed peacefully on July 17, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.
He is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Craig) Baker and son Nat (Megan) Criss. He is also survived by his brother Mark (Cara Dugan) Criss and partner Linda Boos. He leaves behind four grandchildren, Will, Cooper, Logan Jane, and Jalen and nephew Dan.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph (“Bud”) and Virginia Criss and nephew Ben.
He was a loyal friend to many, generous with his time, dependable when people needed him, and someone whose friendships lasted decades.
A Pittsburgh sports fan through and through, he passed that devotion on to his children and grandchildren (with a few exceptions). He celebrated every victory and lamented every loss. He also didn’t hesitate to share commentary on less favored teams or coaches, much to the amusement of family and friends with ties to those programs. In addition to being a fan, he invested countless hours as a player, coach, and league commissioner earning himself a well-deserved place in the Wilmington Senior Softball Association Hall of Fame.
He was an avid card player and reader who could often be found with a good book in hand. A veteran of the United States Army Reserves, he carried the values of service, discipline, and commitment throughout his life.
His sense of humor was as dry as it was legendary. With a master’s degree in audiology, he understood hearing better than most but rather than wearing a hearing aid, he knowingly took full advantage of being hard of hearing when it suited him. Even in his final days, he didn’t miss an opportunity to deliver a perfectly timed one-liner. When family members discovered a collection of autographed baseballs in his closet, the signatures were impossible to decipher. Asked whether they had been signed by famous athletes or children, he replied without missing a beat, “famous children.” He taught those around him to never underestimate the value of a perfectly delivered joke.
He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved.
