Dean R. "Duke" Croucher

Dean Richard Croucher, lovingly known as "Duke" to many, passed away on August 28, 2025, at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam, NY, at the age of 73, with his beloved wife and daughter by his side.

Born on March 17, 1952, in Potsdam, NY, Dean built a beautiful life centered around family, hard work, humor, and a love of learning. For nearly half a century, he shared his life with his devoted wife, Jane, and together they raised their daughter, Casey, who was the joy of his life.

For over 30 years, Dean worked as a field service engineer for Bruker AXS, traveling the world-from Germany to Japan to the Bahamas-working on X-ray diffractometer systems. No matter how far his work took him, he always carried home with him in his heart.

Dean was truly a jack of all trades. Whether it was electric wiring, plumbing, or carpentry, he could do it all. If Jane found a piece of furniture in a Pottery Barn magazine, Dean would smile, mark the page, and assure her he could build it himself-and he always did. In recent years, he single-handedly transformed the attic of his home into a beautiful bedroom suite and lovingly remodeled his wife's kitchen.

When he wasn't working on a project, Dean could often be found with a book in hand, eager to learn about any topic under the sun, or in his garage with music turned up, jamming to rock and roll. He was also a passionate sports fan, with basketball holding the top spot in his heart. A loyal Boston Celtics supporter, he liked to joke that Jane was the true diehard fan. But his favorite player was always his daughter, Casey, with whom he spent countless hours shooting hoops in the driveway. Even after her playing days ended, the two could be found side by side, critiquing college and NBA games together.

Dean will be remembered as a patient, intelligent, and caring man whose laughter could brighten any room. He cared deeply about humanity, carried a strong sense of fairness, and wished for peace for all. His sense of humor, his booming laugh, and his quiet acts of devotion to his family will be cherished forever. Though he liked to tease that being born on St. Patrick's Day didn't make him Irish, Dean's life was filled with a kind of luck-of love, laughter, and family-that will carry on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Dean is survived by his wife, Jane, and daughter, Casey; his mother Marjorie Holmes Croucher, and his siblings, Cathy (Michael) Paige, Steven "Scott" Croucher, Kim Goodier, Kelly (John) Tommell, and Christie (John) Duck. He is also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Richard Croucher, maternal grandparents Russell and Mildred Holmes, and paternal grandparents Gordon and Ollie Croucher.

In accordance with Dean's wishes, there will be no formal funeral service; instead, his life and memory will be celebrated quietly by those who loved him most.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) and/or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the A.G. Cole Funeral Home Inc., 215 E. Main Street, Johnstown.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.agcolefuneralhome.com