Joseph M Croteau

Joseph was born in Pawtucket Rhode Island to Antoine and Gilberte on January 27,1932. He went to school in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He married Alice on June 7, 1952, in Pawtucket Rhode Island. He graduated from Pawtucket West High School. He worked in construction for Tampa Electric Company for 30 years. He was a craftsman who cleverly made things from parts others might discard. After retirement he spent so much time at Walt Disney World that cast members there suggested he apply for a job. He was hired at the theme parks, driving over an hour each way. He just loved being there and greeted people from around the world in many languages for many years. He served in the US Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged after serving his country for two years.

To Joseph, family was everything. His wife Alice and his five children were his heart. His home hosted family events. He took a large part in the lives of his grandchildren. Joseph was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, camping, and visiting theme parks with his family. His best friend Paul Ferlita was his constant companion in the Florida woods and on the water. Joseph shared his love of nature with his family, teaching them safety, survival, and respect for nature. Joseph was a gardener with a green thumb. He grew fruits and vegetables, and his yard featured prized clippings from his travels, including over a dozen different hibiscus.

For all his woodman character, he also loved arts and music. Joseph had an eye for art and sketched and painted. He put creative finishing features into buildings, adding beauty, functionality, and mystery. He and his wife Alice made sure his children had a chance to experience the arts. Joseph and Alice are devout Catholics. He was a spiritual man. He sacrificed to send all of his five children to Catholic schools, where they learned discipline and other values he cared about. Born in the northeast and having Canadian family roots, Joseph embraced Florida. He was a real Florida Cracker, and you would never know from talking to him that he hadn’t been here all his life.

Joseph is preceded in death by his son David Croteau, and his brother Richard Croteau.

Joseph is survived by his wife Alice Croteau, his son Michael and his wife Theresa, his son Matthew and his wife Donna, his daughter Christy and her husband Pete, and his daughter Elaine. Joseph is also survived by 3 Grandchildren, Christopher and his wife Kristyn, Stephanie and her husband Chris, and Ryan. Joseph is also survived by his best friend/brother, Paul Ferlita.

A wake service to honor Joe will take place at 12pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Blount and Curry Carrollwood, located at 3207 W. Bearss Ave. Tampa, FL. 33618. The family will receive friends one hour prior starting at 11:ooam.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's honor may be given to Paralyzed Veterans of America (link below).