ANDOVER — Andre A. Croteau, a resident of Andover for 51 years, formerly of Gardner, died at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, Aug. 20, 2010. He was 88 years old.
Born in Gardner on Nov. 30, 1921, he was the beloved son of the late Desire and Lea (Belanger) Croteau. Andre was a graduate of Holy Rosary School, Gardner High School, and Fitchburg State College and was a World War II Army veteran, entering the service at Ft. Devens on Aug. 12, 1942 and receiving his honorable discharge from Ft. Jackson, South Carolina on Oct. 5, 1945. While in the military, Mr. Croteau attained the rank of Tech 4 and was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with five Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal and a Certificate of Merit.
In civilian life, Mr. Croteau was an Electrical Engineer and worked for Raytheon for 32 years in the Quality Control Department. Andre held a Ham Radio License and was an avid photographer. He enjoyed gardening, reading and talking about politics. Above all, Mr. Croteau was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Besides his beloved wife of more than 63 years, Rita, whom he married in Gardner on Oct. 12, 1946, he will be sorely missed by six children, George A. and his companion Shirley Simpson, both of Plaistow, N.H., Helene R. Ruscio of North Troy, Vt., Ernest A. and his wife Patricia A. Croteau, Charles D. and his wife Paula Croteau and Thomas P. Croteau, all of Andover and Rene F. and his wife Rosanne of Great Barrington, R.I., 12 grandchildren, four siblings, Paul Croteau of Seminole, Fla., Theresa and her husband Paul Vincent of Gardner, Gregoire and his wife Suzette Croteau of Gardner, and Lea and her husband John Schick of San Francisco; and many nieces and nephews. Andre was also the father-in-law of the late Steven Ruscio and brother of the late Robert, Clementine, Vincent, Leon and Roland Croteau.
ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex St., Andover, on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010, at 10 a.m. Visitation will be Tuesday, prior to the Mass from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Burial will be in the Notre Dame Cemetery in Gardner. For additional information, please visit www.burkemagliozzi.com.
