Lt. James T. "Jimmy" CROTTY

CROTTY - James T., Lt. "Jimmy"

March 18, 1912 - July 19, 1942. Beloved son of Irish immigrants Patrick and Helen (McGarry) Crotty of County Clare. Loving brother of the late Joseph (Margaret Duffy), Patrick (Marian Shea), Mary (Arthur) Fenhan, Rev. William, John (Catherine Smith) and Teresa. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. A natural and inspirational leader, young Jimmy played for, managed, and coached an American Legion junior baseball team to win the Legion's junior national championship his senior year. Jimmy was a graduate of South Park High School. Jimmy carried his desire to excel to the US Coast Guard Academy where he was elected Senior Class President, served as a Company Commander, and Football Team Captain. He graduated in 1934. After seven years of service with the USCG, Jimmy was assigned to the US Navy Mine Recovery Unit in 1941. He served in the Bataan Peninsula then in Corregidor, where he was captured upon surrender of the Allied forces. Lt. Crotty died in a Cabanatuan prison camp in July 1942. Countless stories tell of his heroic leadership and service to his fellow man. He gave his "all" for his country, his family, his church, St. Thomas Aquinas - and beloved home. "Peace be with you Jimmy. You brought us peace." A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 2nd at 12:00PM at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 450 Abbott Road, Buffalo, NY 14220. Please assemble at church. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, online or sent to 1005 North Glebe Road, Suite 200 Arlington, VA 22201. Please note Lt. Crotty on the donation. Arrangements by the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME, INC. Online condolences at www.CANNANFH.com