Craig Francis Senfield

PLATTSBURGH — Craig Francis Senfield, 79, died Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh, NY. He was the eldest son of three children born to Lt. Eugene and Elizabeth Hussey Senfield. Craig was born at the Mountain Clinic in Olean, NY on August 11, 1946. He graduated from Olean High School in 1964 and then attended Bowling Green State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1968.

Craig was a loving husband, a devoted father and a steady presence to all who knew him. He was known for his kindness, his generosity of spirit, and for always having a kind word to share. His warmth and thoughtfulness left a lasting impression on family, friends and colleagues alike.

Craig spent his life deeply connected to both family and community. He joined the family business in 1957. He began his career at Carnahan’s Men’s Store, later expanding his work to Carnahan’s Women’s Store, Bradner’s Department Store and Bradner’s Galleries. His dedication and leadership in retail excellence led him to serve as Director of the New York State Retail Merchants Association in 1971, and later as the Director of the Miss New York State Pageant in 1976.

A passionate historian, Craig devoted countless hours to preserving and sharing local and regional history. He was an active member of the Twin Tiers Civil War Roundtable, serving as editor of its Tattered Glory newsletter. He contributed his knowledge and leadership as a member of the Fannie E. Bartlett Local History Center steering committee, Olean Bicentennial Committee and Chautauqua County Historical Society. He served as Director of both the Olean Historical and Preservation Society and Olean Point Museum. He was also the author and producer of Aunt Sarah – North to Freedom, a community play that reflected his deep respect for history and storytelling.

Craig married Pamela Lincoln on August 25, 1973, at St. Bonaventure University Chapel in Allegany, NY. Their daughter, Stephanie, was born the following year. After introducing Stephanie to figure skating, Craig developed a love for the sport. He was a member the Enchanted Mountain Figure Skating Club, Jamestown Skating Club and United States Figure Skating Association. He also taught Learn to Skate in Olean. His presence in ice skating rinks throughout the US and Europe expressed his unwavering support and pride as a father.

In retirement, Craig and Pam moved to Van Buren Bay in Dunkirk, NY. The cottage brought him great joy, peace, and a new community of friends. He served as the Treasurer of the Van Buren Bay Association for 10 years. The beach brought him hours of entertainment looking for Lake Erie beach glass.

Craig F. Senfield is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pamela (Lincoln), his daughter Stephanie and her husband Joseph McBride. He leaves two brothers, Lyle (Claudia) and Gene (Dawn), their children and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father, Gene, his mother, Bette, his nephew, John David, and grandnephew, Carson David.

Interment will be at St. Bonaventure Cemetery in Allegany, NY. A memorial mass will be held at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean, NY on June 20, 2026. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.