Craig Wallace Rideout was a loving father, a devoted son, a loyal brother, and a generous friend. He was also a victim of a brutal murder that shocked the nation and tore his family apart. This is his obituary.
Early Life and Education
Craig was born on April 24, 1966, in Pittsford, New York, to Agnes “Nes” and Richard “Dick” Holman Rideout. He had an elder sister, Robbyn Drew, who described him as a “wonderfully funny individual with an astute sense of humor”. He enjoyed reading, music, and spending time with his family.
He graduated from Pittsford Mendon High School in 1984 and attended Union College in Schenectady, where he majored in economics and was a member of Phi Delta Theta. He earned the honor CFA in 1991 and worked as a Senior Technical Specialist, Analyst/Programmer at Federated Clover Investment Advisors since March 1989.
Marriage and Children
Craig met Laura Asam in a Rochester pub in 1988 and married her in January 1993. They had seven children: Colin, Andrew, Alexander, Elizabeth, Julia, Patrick, and Madeline. Craig was a dedicated father who loved his children and supported their education and activities.
However, his marriage with Laura was not a happy one. They faced financial difficulties, bankruptcy, and marital discord. Laura accused Craig of hiding money and cheating on her. She filed for divorce in 2014 and moved out of their Penfield home with some of the children. Craig stayed in the house with the rest of the children and tried to finalize the divorce.
Community and Faith
Craig was a man of service and faith. He was involved in various charitable organizations, such as St. Irenaeus Ministries, Catholic Youth Groups, and Union College Alumni Association. He was also an active member of St. John of Rochester Church. He had a passion for helping others and mentoring young people. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and humor.
Murder and Aftermath
On July 20, 2016, Craig was killed in his Penfield home by his estranged wife, Laura, and two of his sons, Colin and Alexander. They beat him, strangled him, and disfigured his face with acid. They then wrapped his body in a tarp and dumped it in a wooded area in Yates County. They also tried to dispose of the evidence by burning it in a park in Mendon.
The police discovered Craig’s body the next day and arrested Laura, Colin, and Alexander, along with Laura’s boyfriend, Paul Tucci, and another son, Patrick, who were involved in the cover-up. They were charged with second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and conspiracy. After a lengthy trial, Laura, Colin, and Alexander were convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Paul and Patrick were acquitted of all charges.
Craig’s murder devastated his family and friends, who mourned his loss and sought justice for him. His mother, Nes, said, “He was a wonderful son. He was a wonderful person. He was a wonderful father. He was a wonderful brother. He was a wonderful friend. He was a wonderful everything.” His sister, Robbyn, said, “He was my best friend. He was my confidant. He was my protector. He was my hero.”
Legacy and Memory
Craig Rideout left behind a legacy of service, humor, and love. He touched the lives of many people with his generosity, kindness, and wit. He was a role model for his children and a source of joy for his family and friends. He will be remembered for his smile, his laughter, and his spirit.
Craig is survived by his mother, Nes; his sister, Robbyn; his nieces, Julie and Chloe; his nephews, Christian and Kyle; his great-nephew, Jayden; his uncle, Philip; his cousins, Colin and June; and his children, Elizabeth, Julia, and Madeline. He is predeceased by his father, Dick; his brother, Scott; and his children, Colin, Andrew, and Alexander.
A brief service was held on August 3, 2016, at All Seasons Chapel, White Haven Memorial Park, in Pittsford. Friends and relatives paid their respects on August 8, 2016, at the funeral chapel in Brighton. In lieu of flowers, donations in Craig’s memory were made to St. Irenaeus Ministries, Union College, or a charity of choice.
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