John L. Croto, Jr.

John was born in 1930, in Keene, NH. He was the son of the John Croto and Edythe Dulong. After graduating from Keene High School, he attended Keene Teacher's College. For over 20 years he served with distinction in the National Guard, U.S. Army and Army Reserves and excelled in the fields of cryptography and computers. He worked in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Florida, the Bahamas, New Mexico, Orange, Texas, Arizona and Alaska, before retiring to Orange in 1997. As a master programmer and systems analyst he took pride in his work.
In Orange, he served his church as a Eucharistic Minister, earned a fourth degree and held leadership positions in Knights of Columbus, long time member of Kiwanis International and co-director of the soup kitchen at St. Mary?s Catholic Church. In his spare time, he attended retreats, including Cursillo, and co-conducted RCIA classes. He was a devoted Red Sox and Miami Dolphins fan, who also loved to bowl and golf.

Survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Margaret ?Peggy,? his two adored sons, Mark, his wife Alayne, James ?Jim,? his wife, Siobhan, John passed peacefully at The Hospice Center of Wichita Falls on the morning of September 8th. He was the loving grandfather to Ashley, Sean-James, Annelise, Aaron, and Keel. He is survived by his sister, Myrtle and brother, Walter. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and a brother. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 16, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange followed by the rosary at 7:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will be a celebration of his life at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 17, at St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Orange, with interment to follow at the St. Mary?s Cemetery next to St. Francis Catholic Church.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer?s Association alz.org, Hospice of Wichita Falls hospiceofwf.org or to St. Mary?s Soup Kitchen, 912 West Cherry Avenue, Orange, Texas 77630.