Charles Craig Rustay

Charles Craig Rustay, age 78, passed away with his family and friends by his side on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

Craig was born in Queens, New York, on February 28, 1947, to Charles and Althea Rustay.

He graduated high school from Amherst, New York, in 1965, proceeding he graduated college from Delhi Tech, New York in 1967.  Craig went on to graduate from Kent State School of Architecture in 1970 and continued his education at Virginia Tech. While at Delhi Tech, Craig met the love of his life, Sherrol Green.  They married in 1968.

Craig began his career working for his father- in- law, Errol Green, at Green Brother’s Lumber near Jamestown, New York.  He later attended Pinecrest Bible Training Center in Salisbury Center, New York, graduating and going on to serve as director of PInecrest Retreat Center in East Setauket, Long Island. Craig also taught at Christ for the Nations on Long Island.  On December 25, 1988 Craig, Sherrol, and their four children relocated to Vero Beach, Florida.

Craig worked as an architect for several years.  He then continued to work at Central Assembly where he served as an assistant pastor and principal of Indian River Christian School.  He went on to co-pastor at Vero Worship Center and later served at New Hope Ministries.

Alongside his ministry work, Craig became an elementary school teacher at Indian River Academy, then a high school teacher at Vero Beach High School teaching Drafting, Architecture, and AutoCAD. He officially retired in 2023 but continued substitute teaching until the Spring of 2025.

Craig was a part of the Sunrunners of Vero Beach and loved running with all of his running friends and children.  He completed many races, including marathons and triathlons, with family and friends.

He lived a life wholly devoted to the Kingdom work- faithfully led by the Holy Spirit and steadfast in fulfilling the calling God placed on his life.  He was a loyal husband, a devoted father, and a trusted friend.  His life leaves behind an honorable legacy- one that points us all to the cross.  Craig finished his race, not alone, but hand in hand with the Lord.  Now he cheers us on from the sidelines of Heaven, urging us to run with endurance, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Craig was preceded in death by his father, Embley Charles Rustay and mother, Althea Elizabeth Hickock Rustay.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sherrol Eva Green Rustay; his sons Glenn and Christopher Rustay;  daughters Kimberly Tappen and Heather Matthews; grandchildren Sean and Danielle Rustay, Eva and Alex Tappen, Lydiah, Elijah, Elliannah, and Emmett Matthews; and brothers Kim H. Rustay and Glenn W. Rustay.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM at New Hope Fellowship, 4425 71st Street, Vero Beach.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, Voice of the Martyrs, New Hope Fellowship, or Bridges for Peace (Christian support for Israel).

Craig’s earthly temple was laid to rest on July 27, 2025, at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach.

He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. We look forward to the day we see him again.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.