Donald D. DeCroix

Donald D. DeCroix of Sterling Heights, MI, age 81, died on September 20 after suffering with a bout of cancer. He was born on March 13, 1941, youngest son of the late Hilaire and Estella (Wybo) DeCroix in Detroit, MI.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Hilda (Gardella). He was a loving father to Anne (Greg) Switchulis, Sandra (Ron) Mastronardi, David (Stacy) DeCroix and Diane (Jeff) Meyers. He was a dear grandfather of Tyler, Bailey (Becca), Devin, Kaci, Morgan, Daunte, Madison, Brooke, Luke, Abigail, Emma, and Andrew. He was the dear brother of Ilene (Bob) Meloche and the late Henry (Barbara).
Don was the team captain and competitive cross-country runner and tennis player at Denby High School. He was the first in his family to complete a two-year education after high school graduation. He traveled to California much to his mother's dismay and became a computer technician when computers were as large as a home. He attended high school with his future wife, Hilda and they wed October 24, 1964 and soon welcomed daughters, Anne (1965) and Sandra (1968). He was not present for much of Hilda's first pregnancy as he relocated to Alaska for a prime employment and financial opportunity; he earned this money as a down payment for their home. They later took pleasure in two more children, Dave (1976) and Diane (1981). He worked for both General Electric and Honeywell.
Everyone who knew Don felt his love and knew he cared about you. He shared his wisdom with repairing appliances and often was called upon by neighbors to assist with their broken equipment. He successfully managed his own retirement funds and stock portfolio, sharing tips with family and friends. As his children became of age to drive, he would often state "watch backing out", fill up your tank and then would wipe your headlights with his handkerchief as they pulled out of the driveway; another way to show his care. He was a huge fan of the Tigers, first listening to them play on a transistor radio before televisions were so accessible; he also enjoyed watching football and hockey taking in a game with his son, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. When his health allowed, he enjoyed playing tennis with friends and playing cards with family, a time he was grateful to connect with his brother, sister and other family members. Going to Metropolitan Beach was of great pleasure for him, although the name has now changed it was always Metro Beach to him. Walking at Dodge Park was also a great pastime where he fed the squirrels peanuts with his grandchildren. He enjoyed great conversation and fun with his group of friends that met at McDonald's and Burger King, as well as the sunshine in Florida, as long as it wasn't "too hot."
He liked going on trips, often coming home from work and telling his wife, "Let's go " and the family would head off for a weekend adventure. He will be missed especially by his grandchildren for his "Dad" jokes. A favorite was "what's worse than biting into an apple and finding a worm?" "Finding half a worm." And the grandchildren will miss treating them to the Christmas banquet every year with Roscoe the Clown. It was here where another favorite joke of Don's was discovered when Roscoe the Clown would put a banana to his ear and say "yellow". Other happy and fun filled memories that Don enjoyed making included taking his grandchildren to Lickety Split for Ice Cream where he also enjoyed Rum Raisin ice cream which became a staple to his diet. Ice Cream didn't end at Lickety Split. Dairy Queen was also a frequent visit but with ice cream Don surely was not discriminating.
Don will be especially missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. Don was blessed. There truly was no shortage of loved ones in his life. We would like to thank the team of Regency in St Clair Shores and Accent Care Hospice for their compassionate care. Lastly, thanks to all our family and friends for their support and prayers, and those who spent time with Don prior to his passing and made him feel very loved.
Visitation Friday 3-9pm with a 7pm Rosary at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. 36900 Schoenherr Rd. at Metro Pkwy(16 Mile Rd.) Funeral Saturday Instate 9:30am at St. Faustina Catholic Church 14025 12 Mile Rd. (East of Schoenherr Rd.) until10am Mass. Luncheon to follow Mass, more information to be given after service. Share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com
Memorial contributions are appreciated by the family to St Jude's Research Foundation. https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR;jsessionid=00000000.app20122a?px=7714909&fr_id=39300&pg=personal&NONCE_TOKEN=60CC9C031CE6C918DC412398E255121E