Necrology

Craig E. Sonnenberg '76

Nov. 26, 2024

Craig E. Sonnenberg ’76 of Leeds, Mass., passed away peacefully surrounded by friends on Nov. 26, 2024. A gifted theatre artist, beloved friend to many, and devoted Buddhist practitioner, Craig's creative spirit and warm heart touched countless lives throughout his remarkable journey.

Craig was born in Kingston, N.Y., in 1954. In his first year at Hamilton, he lived in an all-freshman dorm where he would make lifelong friends with hallmates, be given the nickname “Hatter,” and adopt his best friend and like-minded dog, Eeyore. With these new friends he joined Chi Psi fraternity, became a party and song list organizer, and remained there for the next four years, a full year after he and Eeyore received their diploma. 

He became the glue that connected five years of Chi Psi brothers. During his time on the Hill, he found and pursued his passion for costume design and theatre, taking numerous classes at Kirkland and often visiting his incredible friends there. A theatre major, he was known to use his fraternity brothers as models for his evolving costume creations. Craig crossed traditional lines in making friends, something he would continue to do throughout his life. “Hatter” remained a loyal and affectionate friend and confidant to his Hamilton/Kirkland brothers and sisters over the next 50 years, a bond that only strengthened even as his declining health limited his mobility.

After Hamilton, Craig pursued graduate studies in costume design at Boston University. He went on to become one of Boston's most sought-after costume designers, establishing his own costume shop downtown where he inspired excellence in his employees. His remarkable work included designs for the Boston Shakespeare Company, where his innovative creations, such as a specially designed crown for Macbeth, earned critical acclaim. As the resident designer for Theaterworks, Craig created memorable costumes for productions including They All Want to Play Hamlet, Me and My Shadow, and OutOut. For 13 years, he also designed for Harvard's Hasty Pudding Theatricals, contributing to productions such as Witch and Famous, Bye Bye Verdi, and A Tsar is Born!

Later in his career, Craig adapted to changing times by studying web design, creating sites including one for Homebase Abroad. He shared his life for more than 25 years with his partner, Chuck Pacheco, who preceded him in death in 2006. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home in Jamaica Plain, known for hosting legendary "Bagal" (Bourne Area Gay and Lesbian) parties that are still fondly remembered today.

In 2009, inspired by Pema Chodron's book When Things Fall Apart and seeking healing after Chuck's passing, Craig found his spiritual home at the Shambhala Meditation Center in Brookline, Mass. What began as a personal journey of healing blossomed into deep community involvement. He became an essential force in coordinating programs and co-leading the LGBTQ group. After taking his refuge and bodhisattva vows, Craig dedicated himself to the Buddhist path with characteristic enthusiasm and commitment, carrying the wish for all beings to be free from suffering. 

Even as his mobility declined in recent years, his practice of love and bravery remained steadfast, illuminating his final days with Buddhist practice, teachings, and the companionship of fellow practitioners. He later joined the Pioneer Valley Shambhala community, where he continued his practice until his passing.

Craig is predeceased by his mother, father, and his beloved partner.

— Prepared by Tom Moore ’76

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