Dennis A. Croteau

STARK, NH - Dennis A. Croteau, 62, passed away suddenly at his home in Stark on early Tuesday morning, June 22, 2021.

The story of his birth was well known throughout the generations in the Croteau family as he was born in the front seat of the car in Berlin, NH on April 19th,1959 to parents Donald J. Croteau and Madeleine Gallant Croteau. He was a graduate of Groveton High School class of 1977 and attended college at Berlin Tech, before joining the Air Force receiving an honorable discharge in 1981. His military career continued with service in the National Guard for an additional 6 years.

Dennis married his high school sweetheart, Susan Laflamme Croteau in May of 1981. Dennis leaves behind three children, Jamie Colby and husband Zachary of Lancaster, Ashley Arsenault and husband Jamie of North Stratford, and Dereck Croteau and wife Melissa of Stark. He was a proud Pa to six grandchildren, Lily and Parker Colby, Carter and Nickalus Narducci and Mallory and Fynly Croteau.

Dennis is survived by sisters Irene Shover and husband Michael of Bradford, Vt, Susan Fogg and husband Dan of Stark, NH, brothers, Peter Croteau of Concord, NH, and John Croteau of Stark, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by both his parents.

In his earlier years, Dennis was the bass player for the popular local band "Bourbon Street". Later on, he would get the yearning to play again when he taught his son how to play bass guitar. It was then that the band "Stripes" was started and he was able to enjoy playing music again. Everything he learned to do was self-taught and he was always looking for something new to learn and build. Boredom was something that he never experienced, and he was sure to keep himself busy.

Upon his retirement after 31 years as an engineering technician with the State of NH DOT-District 1, he began working with his son mowing and plowing. He was adamant in claiming he was not "retired" only changing careers, yet the change in pace for him, created such happiness for him as they were able to dedicate more time to camping and spending time with grandchildren.

Dennis will always be remembered for his unique sense of humor and his extreme love for gardening that his mother instilled in him as a young child. He loved to laugh and have a good time, but also enjoyed quiet time by himself, finding things to do around his beloved property where no stone was ever out of place and the grass was cut immaculately. His talents and hobbies were many including fishing and fly making, reading, creating beautiful flower gardens and teaching his grandchildren to fish. He loved music and history. He was especially proud to be given the opportunity to walk the perimeter of the infield at Fenway Park with his grandsons one summer. For the past three years, you never saw Dennis without his beloved dog, Pixie.

Memorial visiting hours will be held Saturday, June 26th from 10am to 1pm at Bailey Funeral home in Lancaster, followed by a graveside service at the Emerson Cemetery in Stark, NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: NH Fish and Game- Fisheries Habitat Fund, New Hampshire Fish and Game, ATTN: Business Division, 11 Hazen Drive Concord, NH 03301. Memo: "In memory of Dennis Croteau."