John S. Croke

"Belchertown – John S. Croke, Jr., 81, of Old Farm Rd., died peacefully in his home on November 28, 2008, where he has resided for the past 35 years. Born in Holyoke, MA on October 15, 1927, he was the son of the late J. Sidney and Laurel (Boynton) Croke. Mr. Croke was raised and educated in South Hadley and graduated from Wilbraham Academy and Emerson College. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He retired in 1993, as a department manager from the former Dana-Everflex Company in Ludlow. John enjoyed spending time with his family and summers on the Maine Coast. He was a lifelong Red Sox fan and he authored a memoir of his childhood years entitled "You had to be there". He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Nancy (Berger) Croke and five children Linda (Croke) DiPietro of Melrose, MA, Jeffrey B. Croke of W. Springfield, John S. Croke, III of Belchertown, Robert W. Croke of Warwick, MA and Barry P. Croke of Belchertown. He also leaves two sisters Carol Kent of Granby and Judith Stzrempko of South Hadley, a brother David Croke of Middlefield, MA, eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home, 646 Newton St (Rt116). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Baystate Visiting Nurse & Hospice, 50 Maple St, Springfield, MA 01102. "