Obituary of Robert Croker

DURHAM — Dr. Robert A. Croker, 79, of Wiswall Road, died June 8, 2012, at the Gaffney Home in Rochester with his family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer. Born Sept. 4, 1932, in Ozone Park, N.Y., he was the son of Arthur W. Croker and Marion Miller. Dr. Croker received his Ph.D. from Emory University in 1966 and spent 28 years as a Professor of Zoology and later Natural Resources and Environmental History at the University of New Hampshire. His professional work in marine biology and ecology was internationally renowned and he served as a consultant on coastal, conservation, and national environmental matters for numerous clients and communities. Since his retirement in 1994, Dr. Croker published two books on the early history of American Ecology - Victor E. Shelford Pioneer Ecologist and Stephen A Forbes and the rise of American Ecology. Dr. Croker was a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a member of multiple scientific societies and organizations. Dr. Croker also served honorably in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 ¿ 1955 and was an active member of the Air Force Association. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Mary Ann (Casey) Croker of Durham; Jean Gagnon and her husband Mark and their two children of Amesbury, Mass.; Barry Croker and his wife Jessica and their six children of Aurora, Colo.; two sisters, Marilyn Dickhaut and her husband Walter of London, Ohio and Nancy Collins of Bayside, N.Y.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Memorial Service will be held on June 22, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Community Church of Durham, Main Street, Durham. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made toward a memorial marker to be placed in his honor near the New Hampshire coastline he so dearly loved. Please send donations to the Dr. Robert A. Croker Memorial Fund, c/o Mary Ann Croker, P.O. Box 182 Durham, N.H. 03824.Visit www.kentandpelczarfh.com to sign an online guest book. Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.>