Adrien R. "Andy" Crete

Adrien (Andy) Crete

Sunrise: March 15, 1938 | Sunset: November 9, 2025

Adrien "Andy" Crete, 87, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, in Naples, Florida, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on March 15, 1938, in Goffstown, New Hampshire, Andy was the son of Phillipe and Juliette (Bourque) Crete.

Andy grew up in Pinardville, NH, and graduated from Bishop Bradley High School in 1956. Soon after, he proudly served his country in the United States Army as a lineman. One of the highlights of his later years was traveling to Washington, D.C., on an Honor Flight in 2024, surrounded by fellow veterans, to celebrate that service and his love of country.

For most of his life, Andy called Manchester, NH, home, before finally fulfilling a longtime dream of moving to Naples, Florida, in 2023 to be closer to his children and to be able to wear shorts on a daily basis (he hated long pants) without freezing during the cold NH winters. If he had a regret, it was not moving to Naples sooner.

Andy built a long and respected career in the grocery and sales industry, where he made an unforgettable mark. As the New England Regional Sales Manager for General Services Inc. in Medford, MA, he was known not just for his professionalism but for his incredible gift for connecting with people. He didn't just do business; he built friendships. His honesty, laughter, and sense of humor made everyone feel valued.

In 1998, Andy was recognized as Grocer of the Year by the New Hampshire Grocer's Association This was a proud moment for his dedication and passion for the work he loved and he was honored to share the title with other outstanding grocers.

Andy also had a deep love for politics and never shied away from civic involvement. He even ran for Alderman of Ward 12 in Manchester and was a familiar face at political events, debates, and campaign stops for presidential candidates. He was always eager to engage in a good conversation about the issues of the day and you could always count on him to show up where the action was; shaking hands, chatting with candidates, and soaking up the energy of it all. He cast his first vote at 18 and never missed an election after that time.

He had an incredible green thumb and his yard was his pride and joy. His lawn, flowers and landscaping talent was the envy of the neighborhood and was a reflection of the care and patience he poured into everything he did. And when the work was done, Andy loved to dance with his wife, Dotty. Together, they were amazing on the dance floor. Whether it was a wedding, a family gathering, or a night out with friends, people would clear the floor just to watch them glide and spin together, in perfect rhythm.

If you knew Andy and you really wanted to see him light up, all you had to do was play a country song. Music was a huge part of his life- from Kris Kristofferson to George Jones, he loved them all. Whether he was at a concert, singing along at a local venue cranking the music in his car, or playing his favorite songs at home, music brought him joy and he loved sharing that joy and passion with family and friends. On his final afternoon, he was sitting outside at a waterfront venue with his family listening to a local musician play a Johnny Cash song that he had requested. Such a beautiful and lasting memory.

Andy's greatest pride was his family. He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Darlene Crete and her partner, Shawn Maillet, of Naples, FL, Kevin Crete and his wife, Shannon (Papuga) Crete, of Naples, FL and Tara Crete of Naples, FL, and Alton Bay, NH. He was a proud grandfather to Brianne Zechner and her husband, Mark, of Dover, DE; Adrien (AJ) Crete and his wife, Christy, of Glen Gardner, NJ; and Cameron Crete and her partner, Nigel Almonte of Manchester, NH, and his six great-grandchildren; Jamie, Leeann, Maya, Levi, Teagan, Piper, and Elizabeth.

He is also survived by two sisters, Laurette Binette of Sherbrooke, Canada, and Muriel Allen of Bedford, NH, his best friend of 73 years, Bill Prystas, of San Diego, CA and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Andy was predeceased by his beloved wife Dorothy (Gracie) Crete who passed away just a few months before him on August 2, 2025; his parents, Phillipe and Juliette (Bourque) Crete; his brothers, Louis and Roland Crete; and his sisters, Dorothy (Walsh) Parr and Jeanne (Gonthier) Cocchiaro.

Andy will be remembered for his kindness, quick wit, and his ability to make anyone feel at home. His laughter could fill a room, and his stories, often including a perfectly timed joke, will be missed by everyone who knew him.

A celebration of Andy's life will be held at a later date in Manchester, NH. His ashes will be scattered on Sunset Lake in Alton Bay, NH a place that held special meaning and peace for him and his family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Andy's honor may be made to Avow Hospice at www.avowcares.org (https://www.classy.org/give/544918/#!/donation/checkout). The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care and support provided during his final days.

As you remember Andy, please carry forward his legacy of love, laughter, and kindness - and his willingness to always make time for a good song, a good story or joke and the people who mattered most.