Major William E. "Billy" Croft

BRADFORD - William E. "Billy" Croft, age 48, of Lamoka Lake, Bradford, N.Y., died Tuesday (June 7, 2016) at Schuyler Hospital, in Montour Falls, N.Y., after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his family.
Friends are invited to calling hours from 1:00 -3:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Monday (June 13) at the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee. A Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday (June 14) at St. Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church, 905 Decatur St., Watkins Glen, N.Y. with Father Tom Mull and Father Steve Lape officiating. Burial with Full Military Honors will be held at the convenience of the family in Tyrone Union Cemetery, Tyrone, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Dundee Sports Boosters for Track and Football, P.O. Box 53 Dundee, NY 14837; or the Tyrone Fire Department, P.O. Box 69, Tyrone, NY 14887.
William was born February 27, 1968, in Corning, N.Y., the son of William E. and Jean Marie (Welsh) Croft. Billy graduated from Dundee Central School in 1987. In 1990 he enlisted in the US Army and began his military career. While in the Army, he achieved the rank of Major and served multiple tours overseas, including Germany, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Africa. While serving his country he also worked to complete his Bachelor's Degree of Science in Education from the State University at Cortland. In 1994 Billy graduated from the Southern Tier Police Academy and started his law enforcement career in Watkins Glen, N.Y. Billy later went on to serve and protect for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, Wolcott PD, Lyons PD, and eventually retired from the Newark Police Department.
He is loved and will be forever missed by his twin daughters Maria J. Croft, and Hannah N. Croft; his son William "Bryson" Croft; and step-son Ryan W. Clark-Sulkey, all of Newark, N.Y.; his father, William E. Croft of Harrisburg, Pa.; mother, Jean Marie (Donald) Kosty of Lamoka Lake; brother, Joseph "Joey" H. (Kerry) Croft of Williamson, N.Y.; sister, Kerri M. (John) Cover of Millersburg, Pa.; uncles, John "Ben" (Darlene) Welsh of Italy Hill, N.Y., Edward J. (Priscilla) Croft of Mount Pleasant, S.C., aunt Margaret Moore of Prospect, Ky.; nephew, Harry "LJ" Croft; nieces, Katelynn Cover, Jessica Cover, Elizabeth "Libby" Croft; cousin Ron "Grew" (Patricia) Tormey and family; and close friends Mary Hilkert and family; along with several dear cousins; countless friends; and all of his fellow brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement, and the U.S. Armed Forces.
Rest in peace, we'll take it from here.
Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhome dundee.com.