Joseph A. Croce

CROCE, Joseph A., 85, of Zephyrhills, Fla., passed away Friday, September 19, 2008. He was born June 17, 1923, in St. Johnsville, N.Y., to Patsy and Mary Croce, and was a lifelong resident of St. Johnsville and Fort Plain, N.Y., before coming to Zephyrhills in 1988. Mr. Croce was a graduate of St. Johnsville High School Class of 1942. He married Erma M. Osborn September 1, 1946, in Fort Plain, N.Y. Mr. Croce was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps., serving in World War II. While serving his country, Joe was stationed in many parts of North Africa and Europe. He served time with the British Army Signal Corp., learning how to build and operate a radar information center. Joe was cited by the free French government for construction of the Center of Information of the French School of Radar del' Arba. Joe started as an apprentice in 1949 with the Bauder Oil Co., which sold and installed oil burners. He retired after 30 years of service in the heating and air conditioning industry. He is survived by his wife, Erma M. Croce of Zephyrhills; a daughter, Mary Ann and her husband, Dr. Thomas Marino of Zephyrhills; a grandson, Bryan Marino and his fiancee, Courtney Maine of Zephyrhills; a granddaughter, Janel and her husband, Matthew Heard of Fort Plain; two sisters, Theresa Candella of Zephyrhills and Mary Mastracco of St. Johnsville, N.Y.; and a brother, Thomas Croce of Fort Plain. He was predeceased by a son, David Croce and a sister, Rose O' Conner. A memorial service took place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at Whitfield Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Harvest Church of Zephyrhills, 34935 Fun Way Zephyrhills, FL 33541, in memory of Joseph A. Croce.