Craig Benjamin James Air

Craig Benjamin James Air, 51, of Geneseo, IL and Brisbane, Australia, passed away unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm at his home on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St Malachy Catholic Church on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 10:30 A.M. Father Daniel Gifford will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Craig Air Memorial Fund.

Craig was born on June 9, 1973, in Waratah, New South Wales, Australia, the son of Gordon and Bernice Air. Craig attended the University of Queensland, where he met Jo Kelly, his future bride. They fell madly in love and travelled the world together, notably hiking through Western Europe including getting engaged in the Dolomites mountain range in Italy. Work landed the couple in the United States and they settled into Midwest living in Geneseo in 2006.

Craig’s inextinguishable passion for travel and adventure was second only to his boundless love for his family and friends. A loving husband and father, he embraced every moment with his family, filling their lives with laughter, love, and cherished memories. He treasured his wife, Jo, sharing a deep, unshakable bond and affection. He adored his children and loved weekends at the ballfield, hockey rink, and volleyball court cheering on his active kids. He took immense joy in watching them grow, swelling with pride as he shared stories of their many accomplishments and the wonderful individuals they had become.

Where there was a project to be done — whether his own, or a friend’s — Craig was sure to be found. What little “free time” he had was spent tinkering around the house, yard and garage. He was always the first to lend a hand if help was needed. Unwinding with a backyard barbeque, bonfire, or cold bevy afterward was a favorite pastime.

Craig led an active lifestyle. He participated in local races and fitness events, but his true love was rugby. He played rugby as a young lad in Australia, in many leagues throughout adulthood, and recreationally anytime someone mentioned the game. Craig was instrumental in bringing the Quad City Rugby organization back to life in 2018 and regularly held or supported clinics and classes for youth rugby enthusiasts across the Midwest.

Last year, Craig and Jo proudly achieved US citizenship, blending their Aussie heritage and American lives.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 33 years, Jo Kelly; children Harrison, Mackenzie, and Ruby; parents, Gordon and Bernice Air; siblings, Mark, Jason, Jayne (Stephan), Brad (Natalie), and Katherine (Mick); in-laws, Peter and Carol Kelly, Terri (Ed), Pat (George); many loved nieces and nephews; and countless mates (Australian for friend) both near and far.