Obituary of Albert J. Croteau

Albert J. Croteau; 89 FITCHBURG -- Albert J. Croteau, 89, a resident of Fitchburg for many years, and most recently of Leominster, died Thursday, Nov. 21, in Health Alliance Leominster Hospital, after being stricken ill at his home he shared with his daughter and her family.He was predeceased by his first wife, Juliette Barrette. He also leaves his former wife, Carolyn Jane (Goudreau) Allain of Fitchburg.He also leaves one daughter, Melissa A. Croteau, and her companion, John A. Valera, of Leominster, and his very special granddaughter, Chaselyn Jane Croteau, who was the light of his life; five sons, John Croteau, and his wife, Donna, of Chattanooga, TN, Leo Croteau, and his wife, Donna, of Fitchburg, Rodney Glidden, and his wife, Lisa, of Roseville, CA, Scott Glidden of Fitchburg, and Timothy Glidden, and his wife, Jin Young, of Billerica, MA; one brother, Harvey Croteau of Boca Raton, FL; four sisters, Generia Urato of Gardner, MA, Theresa Vaillancourt of Leominster, Irene Mathon of Whitinsville, MA, and Alberta Hebert of Fairfax, VA; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by one daughter in 1965, Dianne R. Croteau, of Fitchburg, and one brother, Francis Croteau of Boca Raton, FL.Mr. Croteau was employed by the City of Fitchburg Dept. of Public Works as a Heavy Equipment Operator for many years. Previously, he was employed at the former Burbank Hospital in Fitchburg, in the Maintenance Department.He was a member of the former Immaculate Conception Parish in Fitchburg, and recently attended St. Bernard's Parish @ St. Camillus Church. He was also a member of the Amvets, Eastwood Club and British American Club. He was an avid golfer and a former member of Monoosnock Country Club. He loved deep sea fishing and enjoyed spending time with his friends at the MAC center in Leominster.He was a Veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army 30th Infantry Division, 105th Combat Engineers as a demolition expert. He received a Purple Heart for injuries received in the European African Middle Theater Campaign.He was born in Fitchburg, on December 10, 1923, a son of the late Albert J. Croteau Sr. and Rose A. (Robillard) Croteau. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his Daughter, Melissa and Granddaughter, Chaselyn, whom he loved dearly.CROTEAU -- Funeral Services will be held with Military Honors on Tuesday, Nov. 26, from the Smith-Mallahy-Masciarelli and Fitchburg Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes, 243 Water St., Fitchburg, with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Bernard's Parish @ St. Camillus de lellis Church, 333 Mechanic St., Fitchburg. Burial will be at a later date in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fitchburg. Calling hours at the Funeral Home are on Monday, Nov. 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans Homestead, 69 High St., Fitchburg, MA 01420 or may be left at the Funeral Home. For further information see (www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net).