Austin Craig Shealy

Physician, Scholar, Athlete

 Austin Craig Shealy, M.D., 92, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, and was borne to the ages with the abundant love of his grateful family. For 58 years, until his retirement in 2018 at the age of 91, Craig nobly tended his devoted patients, restoring hope and health to the many who benefited from his gentle and wise care. His kind, considered, and dedicated ministrations never failed to comfort his patients, no matter the seriousness of their illness. He continued to make house calls until he retired.

 Craig was born in New York City on March 10, 1927 to William B. and Edwina F. Shealy. He attended Phillips Andover Academy, the Lawrenceville School, and Yale University, graduating in the Class of 1949 after serving his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Second World War.

 After a brief period in Florida during the early 1950’s, where he intended to start a cattle business, Craig decided to become a doctor and graduated from Boston University School of Medicine in 1958.

 Craig raised six children in Woodbury with his first wife, Marin Jones. That marriage ended in divorce.

 Craig married Molly (Kelly) Chapman in 1988, and they lived on Westwood Road in Woodbury until his death.

 A fine athlete, Craig rowed on the Yale Varsity Crew and was on the Yale Varsity Hockey team. He played a beautiful game of tennis and could frequently be found putting opponents through the paces during a singles match or plying the silky waters of the Housatonic River in his single shell. He was a devoted member of the New Haven Rowing Club, whose members recently honored him by naming a single rowing shell after him. He leaves many friends there.

 Craig is survived by his wife, Margaret (Molly) Chapman Shealy, his five children, Alan, Lisa, Lauren, Tina, Eric and two stepsons, Kelly and Andrew Chapman. He has fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandson. Craig was pre-deceased by infant son, Scott.

 A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 27 at 3:00 pm at the North Congregational Church, 11 Main Street North, Woodbury. 

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