Charles W. Croft Jr.

Charles W. Croft Jr. died on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at the Masonic Village in Warminster. He was 85 years old. Born in Abington, he was the son of the late Charles W. Croft Sr. and Stella Taylor Croft. Charles was a longtime resident of Southampton and Hatboro.

Professionally, Charles was the owner of C. W. Croft Appraisal Service in Trenton, NJ until its sale in 1984. He served as President of the Central Jersey Claims Association in 1975.

In service, Charles joined the Southampton Fire Company in 1948 and remained an active member for 68 years. He passionately served as a Firefighter, Assistant-Chief, Chief, and President. He proudly assumed the elected position of Chief for 15 years.

Charles continued his service to the community of Upper Southampton Township as Fire Marshal, Civil Defense Director, and Director of Emergency Management Services. He was also a member of the Bucks County Fire Advisory Board, Bucks County Fire Chiefs Association, Bucks County Firemen’s Association, International Society of Fire Service Instructors, a charter member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and a founding member of the Bucks County Fire School, which he served as a trustee for over 20 years. He was recognized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Fire Instructor having taken numerous courses at Penn State and Bucks County Community College.

Charles was recognized for his service and volunteer activities by being selected Upper Southampton ‘Citizen of the Year’ in 1983 and the Central Bucks ‘Volunteer Firefighter of the Year’ in 1986.

In leisure, Charles was a member of Newtown Lodge 427 Free & Accepted Masons, the Southampton Square Club and a lifetime member of the Chatham Run Hunting Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and was an avid Phillies fan.

Charles was the beloved husband of Ellen (Bunny) Bernice Croft for 64 years. He was the loving father of C. Wendel Croft (Wendy) of Warminster and Ellen L. Forr (Randy) of Hatboro. He was the cherished grandfather of Wendy E. Para, Charles W. Croft and Tyler E. Forr, and great grandfather of Emma, Charlotte and Parker. Charles is survived by his brother Raymond L. Croft and his sister Evelyn G. Jeffries.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, January 16, 2017 from 6 to 8 PM (a Masonic service will be held at 8 PM) and Tuesday, January 17, 2017, 10 to 11 AM at the Wm. Rowen Grant Funeral Home, Street Road & Second Street Pike, Southampton. Charles’s Funeral Service will be on Tuesday at 11 AM. His interment will be in Sunset Memorial Park in Feasterville.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Southampton Fire Company, 925 Street Rd, Southampton, PA 18966.