With great sadness, I write to observe the passing of A. Craig Brown, an esteemed member of our community and treasurer of the American International College (AIC) Board of Trustees. Craig, who passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 16, was a man of remarkable integrity, commitment, and service.
Along with his generosity and legal acumen, Craig brought to AIC a wise and steady hand during institutional change and progress. We are deeply grateful for his nearly 40 years of service.
For decades, Craig was a pillar in Springfield’s legal and civic communities, applying his considerable expertise in real estate law to numerous projects that helped shape the landscape of Western Massachusetts. As a longtime attorney with Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy P.C., he played a pivotal role in significant commercial developments, including the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
With his help, the historic Indian Motocycle building was saved from demolition. Craig provided counsel for many initiatives to provide affordable housing for the city’s residents.
In 2013, AIC recognized Craig’s exceptional contributions by awarding him an honorary degree. This distinction reflected not only his professional accomplishments but also his deep and abiding commitment to the College and its mission. His role as a trustee and treasurer was marked by unwavering dedication and a profound sense of responsibility.
Craig’s commitment extended to many local organizations, including the Springfield School Volunteers, the Urban League of Springfield, the Mental Health Association, and the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County. His passion for the sport of lacrosse was evident, not only as a player but in his dedication of time to officiating and promoting the sport in our region. As the founder of Western Massachusetts Lacrosse Inc., and a former chair of U.S. Lacrosse Inc., Craig’s contributions to the sport were as significant as his impact on our community.
I had the privilege of knowing Craig for more than 30 years. He was not just a colleague but a friend, always ready to lend a helping hand and give back to the community in which he lived and worked. His loss will be deeply felt by the AIC community, and his legacy of service and generosity will continue to inspire us.
As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the extraordinary contributions Craig made to the greater Springfield community and the many lives he impacted through his dedication to service. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his wife Denise, his children, grandchildren, and all who were fortunate to know him.
Kevin Saremi
Chair
AIC Board of Trustees
