Ernest Jackson Croley, Jr.

Ernest Jackson Croley Jr., 89, of Largo, FL, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, passed away May 14, 2021 at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater. Ernest "Ernie" was born July 4, 1931 and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. He graduated from Oliver High School where he was captain of his high school swim team. At the age of 20, Ernest enlisted in the U.S. Army. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Sgt. As part of this service, he served as a medic in Korea and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserves and went on to volunteer at the VA, Sunshine Korean Chapter in Florida, and Meals on Wheels. Ernie's hobbies included swimming, hiking / walking, golfing, nature and photography. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Jackson Croley and Ida Lola (Protzman); brother James Croley; and sister Jeanne Rueschhoff. He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years April M. Croley; sisters Joan Foster and Donna Dowd; children Susan Dezorzi, Linda Haubrich, Brenda Auvil, and Ernest J. Croley III; 6 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. A service honoring the life of Ernest Jackson Croley Jr. will be held June 14, 2021 at 12:30pm at Bay Pines National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Veterans Association of America.