MICHAEL JOHN CROCETTA

CROCETTA, Michael John Of West Newton, MA, passed away peacefully, on March 8, at age 98. Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Frances A. (Rosselli) Crocetta; son and his wife, Michael J. Crocetta, Jr. and Jody of Jacksonville, FL; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also survived by brother, Joseph and Nancy Crocetta; sister-in-law, Grace Rosselli; sister-in-law, Joanne Rosselli; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Clorinda (Portentoso) Crocetta; and parents-in-law, Charles and Angela (LaMacchia) Rosselli. Also preceded by sister, Connie and Pat Presepe; sister, Louise and Conrad Sienkiewicz; brother-in-law, Anthony and Eleanor Rosselli; sister-in-law, Phyllis and Anthony Piccosi; sister-in-law, Rose and Thomas Quatieri; brother-in-law, Dr. John and Rose Rosselli; brother-in-law, Joseph Rosselli and brother-in-law, Dr. William Rosselli. Growing up in Cambridge, MA, Mike excelled in all sports, but was most accomplished at golf, which became a true passion. He graduated from Cambridge Rindge & Latin School, Wentworth Institute and Franklin Institute of Boston. Mike married Frances A. Rosselli in 1956. The couple resided in Newton for 68 years, in the same home that he designed and built with numerous family members and Charles Rosselli, his father-in-law and founder of Rosselli Construction Co., Inc. Mike was always involved in community: Member in the Sacred Heart Society, Officer of Mt. Auburn Booster Club, Board Member in Watertown Savings Bank Club-50 and Manager/Coach in the Newton Little League. He also enjoyed musical theater, ballroom dancing with his wife, gardening, home improvements and traveling with family. Mike was employed at Standard Thomson Corp., in Waltham, for 53 years, as a Sr. Applications Engineer & Consultant. At his retirement celebration, Mike received honorable recognition from Governor William Weld and Mayor William Stanley, for his dedicated career and his role in developing the bellows assemblies that supported the NASA Apollo space missions. Mike will be remembered as a fully dedicated and loving husband to his beautiful bride, Frances, an involved father who coached and taught by example, a reserved and steady family leader who listened far more than he spoke; a responsible provider who sacrificed for family stability and educational opportunity, a skilled, faithful and industrious employee and manager, a volunteer to family and friends needing assistance or guidance, a direct communicator possessed of both sage wisdom and wry wit, a principled man who valued family, common sense, loyalty and mutual respect, a man not to be fooled twice and a Christian man of faith. Indeed, Michael John Crocetta was an extraordinary man in talent, character and integrity. He will be missed dearly and remembered always. A private Service will be held at Mount Auburn Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please donate either to your preferred charity or to Stone Rehabilitation & Senior Living, in appreciation for their dedicated, tireless and compassionate care of Mike. Michael's online tribute is available, at www.joycefuneralhome.com