Jack Melton Croley 1927-2008
The following obituary appeared in the Sarasota Herald Tribune on 21 June 2008.
James Melton Croley Jr., 81 Sarasota, formerly of Colorado Springs, Colo., died June 19, 2008.
A memorial service will begin at 4 p.m. today at Hawkins Funeral Home.
Survivors include his wife, Iris; sons Jeff of North Port and Michael of Daytona Beach; a brother, James C. of Ft. Smith, Ark.; sisters Myrtice Ford, Ermigene Clarkson and Jonell Kitchen, all of Sarasota, Virmell Carson of Lakeland Ga., and Jimmie Lee Smith of Salisbury, N.C.; and a granddaughter.
The Crowley Clan sends our deep sympathy to Jack’s family
Previous news about Jack
Sarasota, Florida Hosts Crowley Clan Gathering
Jack Croley of Sarasota, FL went to the Crowley Clan Gathering in Clonakilty last September 2007, and he had a great time. He enjoyed it so much that he decided to host a Clan Gathering in the USA.
“Sarasota is a great city,” said Jack. “And it has nice weather in late September.” Jack has scheduled the Florida Crowley Clan Gathering for the weekend of September 26th to the 28th. And he is negotiating with local hotels for a good rate on accommodations. Crowleys, Croleys, and Crawleys from Canada, Ireland, and the United States have expressed interest in the weekend. Jack has packets of information ready to mail, and if you’d like to be on his mailing list you can call him at 914-378-0208, or write him at:
4608 Masefield Pl., Sarasota, FL 34241.
AND
Remembering “Jack” Croley
On June 19, 2008 the Crowley Clan lost a valued member and an enthusiastic supporter of all things Crowley/Croley. James Melton “Jack” Croley died in Sarasota, FL at the age of 81.
The photo here is of Bridget Crowley from New Zealand and Jack Croley, at the Crowley Clan Gathering in 2007.
The news of Jack’s passing was received with shock and sadness by Crowleys/Croleys worldwide. At the time of his death Jack was in the midst of planning a Crowley Clan Gathering in Florida scheduled for September 2008. With his usual energy and enthusiasm, Jack had an eventful weekend planned. Members from several countries were planning on attending. Unfortunately, the gathering had to be cancelled.
Many of us met Jack at the Crowley Clan Gathering in Clonakilty last September. He was a very friendly man who had great pride in his family and in his heritage. He will be missed.
Jack’s niece Latrelle Smith writes: “He was the guy with the trademark smile, and his greatest joy was getting the family together once a month to celebrate birthdays and to catch up on all the family news.
“I’ll always remember seeing him in one of his notorious jumpsuits stepping out of his little red truck with a cheerful ‘hello’. He enjoyed his life to the fullest and we/I miss him so much.
“He had so many interests including writing music, raising horses, and traveling. He was a proud Marine, and had served his country.”
Some comments from Crowleys around the world include:
“We spent some time with him in Ireland and enjoyed his spunk. We several times passed on the stories he told us about his driving from Dublin airport to Clonakilty by himself…at 80! We were so impressed. We remember how excited he was about bringing his audio recordings from the Crowley Clan activities back to his family in Florida.”
“Personally, I will miss Jack.”
“That is so sad. He was such a nice guy. He looked so much like my late Dad. I send all the best to the family.”
“I am sorry to hear of Jack's death, and I was hoping to make it to the reunion.”
Crowley Clan Newsletter July & November 2008
