Craig Kelly 03/09/2023

Craig Allen Kelly passed away on March 9, 2023 at 5 a.m. in the arms of his loving wife in Las Vegas, NV. Born and raised in Milford, CT, he was involved with Scouts and one was one merit badge away from Eagle Status, and loved hanging out with friends playing music in bands and doing art work. He especially loved playing the keyboard, a hobby he continued throughout his life. He attended Foran High School in CT. After high school, Craig moved to Florida where he attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. After graduating he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he began his career as a digital animator. His niece and nephew will always remember him as the uncle who worked on the Spongebob Games. In 2004, he returned to the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, this time as a teacher. In his tenure as a professor at the Art Institute, he inspired many future animators and graphic designers. He is fondly remembered by many of his students, some of whom later became colleagues in the industry, and lifelong friends. He moved to Las Vegas in 2011, where he truly felt at home. He worked at Light & Wonder, and his work can be seen in numerous slot machines throughout Las Vegas and gambling destinations all over the world. He was an avid Dungeons and Dragon player, and played it religiously every Sunday for 30 years with friends. In September of 2022, Craig married the love of his life, Lennora Valles at their Buddhist temple. They met shortly after he arrived in Las Vegas. He is remembered as a loving husband, stepfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Craig was predeceased by his parents, John and Marilyn Kelly. He is survived by his loving wife, Lennora, his two stepdaughters, Brianna and Summer, his brother Brian “Bubba, sister-in-law Allison, and his niece and nephew, Shannon and Aidan. He truly embodied the Buddhist idea of “Fashion your life as a garland of beautiful Deeds”. Craig was a man with an amazing heart of GOLD and never ending kindness, and he will be missed dearly. Calling hours will be held at Heritage Mortuary, 3610 North Rancho Dr., Las Vegas, NV from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, followed by a funeral service from 12 - 2 p.m. Burial will be held on Friday, March 24 at 8 a.m. at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Buchanan Blvd., Boulder City, NV. A memorial service will be held in Connecticut at a later date.