Michael Dominic Croce

Michael Dominic Croce passed away peacefully at home on 20 December 2022 after a 6 year battle with pancreatic cancer. In true Big Mike fashion, he fought the good fight. Michael was born into this world 26 December 1958 to Leo Russell and Marguerite Mary (Meyers) at Horton Hospital in Middletown, New York. He graduated from John A. Coleman Catholic High School, and attended UCCC in Stoneridge, NY. He loved to call it his Alma Mater. He then worked for Pagentine Provisions as Assistant to the President before moving on to the Freihofer Baking Company. He worked his way up the ladder to Regional Sales Manager until his retirement in 2018 after 40 years in the route distribution business.

Michael married the girl of his dreams, his “Bobbi,” Barbara B. Buck on 27 August 1983. Together they raised three beautiful girls, Ashley Marie (Nick), Catherine Ann (Tim) and Molly Elizabeth (Kyle). Catherine and Tim blessed Barbara and Michael with their first grandchild, Camryn Elizabeth. Michael joked he would kidnap Camryn for the summer and take her to their house on Yankee Lake — a lifelong dream.

Michael enjoyed the moments the girls would return home, hoping they would never leave again. Always saying, “There is no reason for you girls to go anywhere else. Bring your friends here.” He loved life in the home they made together.

He leaves behind four sisters: Barbara Cardana (Steve), Anna Bouchard (Robert), Theresa Egan (Robert) and Bernadette Koonz (Eddie). Seven brothers: Russell, Richard (Donna), Joseph, Gerard, Ferdinand (Chris), John (Karen), and little piss pot Pete (Patty). A slew of nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Marite, his brother Paul, and sister-in-law’s Jackie and Judy Croce.

Michael served in the Volunteer Fire Service for over 40 years. His initial time was spent in the town he grew up in, Modena. There he achieved the rank of Fire Chief, President, and served as Secretary to the Board of Fire Commissioners.

He later transferred to Wallkill Hook Ladder and Hose, where he served as a Fire Commissioner. Michael’s love of the fire service could be summed up with this phrase: “We are neighbors helping neighbors, and we enjoy doing it.”

Michael was also past President of the Wallkill Lions Club. His favorite line when talking of the Club: “It’s good to be a Wallkill Lion.” He also served on the Board of Directors of Wallkill Valley Federal Savings and Loan. In his retirement, he helped at the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.

He was an avid Mets fan, always selling the idea that they are going to make the playoffs.

He will forever be remembered as the best husband, father, grandfather and friend.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, 22 December 2022 at the Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home, 162 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, New York from 4–8 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 1 PM at St. Joseph Church, 34 South Chestnut Street, New Paltz, New York

Interment will be private.

Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home is honored to assist the family of Michael with the arrangements.

Donations can be made to:
Wallkill Lions Club
PO Box 456
Wallkill, NY 12589

or

Hospice of Sullivan and Orange County