Ronald F. Crocker Sr

FITCHBURG-Ronald F. Crocker, Sr., 82, of Fitchburg passed away Monday morning, June 3, 2024 in the Boston Medical Center.
Ronald was born in Fitchburg on March 20, 1942 the son of the late Arthur and Lillian (Lozeau) Crocker and his resided there all his life.
As a child, Ronald enjoyed sports, the outdoors, and fishing. He was a catcher in his Babe Ruth team, and later was an active player for the Fitchburg High baseball team. After high school, Ronald joined the Navy and put his determination and skills to use serving his country honorably until his discharge in 1965.
He then married his first wife, Carol, and had four wonderful children. As they grew, his kids have many memories of their dad "jamming" with bands at the house. He took pride in marching in Memorial Day parades in Fitchburg with the AmVets.
He became an experienced electrician, and in his spare time, he put energy into a garden in the back yard. As middle age crept up, Ron became a Christian and devoted a lot of his time to his faith, including studying Jewish traditions. He befriended many, taking them under his wing, and could often be found cooking for others at his apartment while playing music or engaging in meaningful conversations.
Whenever he could, he spent hours fishing with his children, which continued through his life. He then met and fell in love with his second wife, Charline, and was blessed with four stepchildren, doubling his family as well as smiles.
After retiring from his own electrical business, he brought joy to others by dedicating time to playing music from the 50s & 60s at several nursing homes with his friend, Ricky. Over the years he became a proud grandfather and a great-grandfather, which he considered the greatest love he could ask for. In the last few years, he discovered a great delight and talent with coloring while recuperating from illnesses, and found it therapeutic for not only himself but those around him. In the nursing home he was nicknamed "The Artist," and his pictures became a colorful treat to the staff and residents, and are treasured by his family. Due to his health, he had not been able to continue playing music, and took solace in finding this creative talent he had never known he had.
He leaves his wife, Charlene E. (Cormier) Crocker of Fitchburg; three sons Ronald F Crocker, Jr. of Fitchburg, Peter D. Crocker and his wife, Coleen of Hubbardston, and Michael J. Crocker and his wife, AnnMarie of North Adams; a daughter, Wendy C. Sanden and her husband, Eric of Baldwinville; four step children, Marc Roy and his longtime partner, Becky Berry of Fitchburg, Elaine Donovan of New Hampshire, Michelle Acanfrio of Florida, and Eric Roy and his wife, Julie of New Hampshire; his former wife, Carol A. Dunn of Gardner and grandchildren, Allen Crocker, Jerodd Pitard, Amber Pitard, Korianne Pitard, Jillian Algarin, Nathan Sanden, Alexander Sanden, Bea Sanden, Sydney Buckman, Curtis Crocker, Jaden Acanfrio, Alyssa Roy, Jennifer Roy and Emma Donovan.
Family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of Ron's life at the Bethany Baptist Church, 72 Ryan St., Gardner, on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 11AM. A private burial with military honors will be held in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon. There are no calling hours. The Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon St., Fitchburg is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.