Roy W. Croteau

Roy W. Croteau, 85, longtime resident of Amesbury, left this world peacefully on November 9, 2026, surrounded by family at his son’s home in Methuen.

Born and educated in Lawrence, to Leon and Laura (Roy) Croteau, he graduated from Central Catholic High School, Class of 1958 at the age of 17. He then enlisted in the United States Navy soon after, and was deployed onto the USS Saratoga CVA-60 aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War and a strong presence of the Cuban Missile Crisis. His duties were Catapult 1 (CAT-1) as director utilizing hand signals on the flight deck to the aircrafts. He carried out his full length of six years of military service. One of his joys in life was that he was a proud veteran to the Navy.

After his service, he worked at L-3 Henschel, then L-3 Technologies in Newburyport for many years as Director of Operations.

The Love of Roy’s Life, Virginia Shattler Croteau predeceased, was his biggest joy that he shared with 50 years of marriage. They loved spending time with each other, family, friends, and grandchildren. They also enjoyed their many cruises together. He was a pillar of strength and support for his family and community, known for his kindness and concerns of others, always helping someone out. He was known as “The Pepere” of the neighborhood children.

Roy leaves behind his son, Timothy Croteau and wife Denise of Methuen, MA; daughter, Robin Dole and Jeffery Meinhart of Naples, ME; stepdaughters, Cheryl Welch of Amesbury and Suzanne Macauley, predeceased. He also leaves behind his grandsons, Erek Croteau, Alec Croteau, Timothy Croteau II, Robert Matthews, Jake Dole and Richard Nelson; granddaughters, Samantha Frank, Julie Francis and eight Great Grandchildren; his brothers, The Rev. Roger Croteau of Hampstead, NH, Richard and wife Marlene of Lawrence, MA, Donald and wife Lorna, of Methuen, MA; his sisters, Annette and Daniel Bowman, originally from San Clemente, CA, Denyse and Larry Student, of Scottsdale, AZ, Janet and David Cummings, predeceased, originally from Haverhill, MA, and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, November 20, from 10 AM to 12 PM at Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury, then Funeral Services at the Funeral Home at 12 P.M. followed by Military Honors at Mount Prospect Cemetery, Amesbury, for a Graveside Service, where Roy will be laid to eternal rest beside his dearest wife, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Rest in peace Dad, your memory will always live on in our hearts and prayers.