Andre A. Croteau, a resident of Andover for 51 years, formerly of Gardner, died at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, August, 20, 2010. He was 88 years old.
Born in Gardner, Massachusetts, on November 30, 1921, he was the beloved son of the late Desire and Lea (Belanger) Croteau. Andre was a graduate of Holy Rosary School, Gardner High School, and Fitchburg State College and was a WWII Army veteran, entering the service at Ft. Devens on August 12, 1942 and receiving his honorable discharge from Ft. Jackson, South Carolina on October 5, 1945. While in the military, Mr. Croteau attained the rank of Tech 4 and was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with 5 Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal and a Certificate of Merit.
In civilian life, Mr. Croteau was an Electrical Engineer and worked for Raytheon for 32 years in the Quality Control Department. Andre held a Ham Radio License and was an avid photographer. He enjoyed gardening, reading and talking about politics. Above all, Mr. Croteau was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Besides his beloved wife of more than 63 years, Rita, whom he married in Gardner on October 12, 1946, he will be sorely missed by six children; George A. and his companion Shirley Simpson, both of Plaistow, New Hampshire, Helene R. Ruscio of North Troy, Vermont, Ernest A. and his wife Patricia A. Croteau, Charles D. and his wife Paula Croteau and Thomas P. Croteau, all of Andover and Rene F. and his wife Rosanne of Great Barrington, Rhode Island, twelve grandchildren, four siblings; Paul Croteau of Seminole, Florida, Theresa and her husband Paul Vincent of Gardner, Gregoire and his wife Suzette Croteau of Gardner, and Lea and her husband John Schick of San Francisco; and many nieces and nephews. Andre was also the father-in-law of the late Steven Ruscio and brother of the late Robert, Clementine, Vincent, Leon and Roland Croteau.
His funeral mass was celebrated in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover, on Tuesday, August 24, 2010, at 10 AM. Visitation will be Tuesday, in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover, prior to the mass from 8:30 to 9:30 AM. Many relatives and friends attended. Burial was in the Notre Dame Cemetery in Gardner. For additional information, please visit www.burkemagliozzi.com.