Obituary of Thomas Croker

THOMAS “WALLY” CROKER, 88, died November 14 at a local health care facility. He was born July 11, 1921 in Cedarhurst, NY, the son of Howard and Gertrude (White) Croker. Wally was a U.S. Army WWII combat veteran. He was a model for many years with the Ford Agency doing print ads in Life Magazine, Esquire, The New Yorker and many others for cigarettes and automobiles. He summered in Belfast since 1950 and wintered in Los Verdis, California. He moved full-time to his Ocean Street home in 1978. After moving to Maine he had a variety of accomplishments. He sold heavy-duty trucks in Caribou, was a member for over 50 years at Northport Golf Club. He played on many of the country’s golf courses and enjoyed a golden hole in one at the Samoset hitting a one iron. He had an extensive library and was a great history buff, conversant on many topics. Along with being an avid golfer, he loved boats and sailing and for a period of time owned a 53-foot schooner named “Serene”. Wally enjoyed people and socialized while working out at the Belfast YMCA and Bay Area Fitness. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. He enjoyed lunch at Bell the Cat and good conversation with everyone he met. He was predeceased by three brothers and three sisters and is survived by a brother, Howard Croker of Belfast and a sister Marion Coscette of NY; one niece and two nephews; special friends, Robin Thibodeau, Richard Morrison, Mike Knox, Larry and Pat Quinn and his many friends who made sure he made all of his trips to Bangor. A special thanks to the staff at Tall Pines for their care of Wally. Friends are invited for a time of fellowship and remembering Wally at the Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast on Thursday, November 19th from 6-8 p.m. A memorial mass will be held Friday, 9 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Court Street, Belfast. In lieu of flowers donations are requested in Wally’s memory to the Belfast YMCA, 157 Lincolnville Avenue, Belfast, ME 04915. On-line condolences may be placed at www.crabielripostafuneralhome.com.