Richard E. “Dick” Croft, 87 June 5, 1934 - July 28, 2021

Haverhill—Richard “Dick” Earl Croft , 87, passed away on July 28, 2021 to be reunited with his wife Evelyn “Bunny” S. (Abbott) Croft, who predeceased him by three months. As they were inseparable and devoted to one another in life, his friends and family take comfort in knowing they are together again.

Born in Haverhill, Dick was the son of the late Jacob G. and Josephine (Ray) Croft. He attended Haverhill public schools and was a graduate of Haverhill Trade School, class of 1954. After trade school, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the USS H.J. Ellison; he was honorably discharged in 1958. Dick loved traveling and exploring the world while he was in the Navy, particularly the Mediterranean and waters around the Middle East at a volatile time in history. He spoke with quiet pride of how they showed the American flag across dozens of ports on multiple continents. Following his discharge, he applied his trade as a machinist with skills honed in the ship’s engine room. He advanced to the position of toolmaker at the former Western Electric plant in North Andover. After 41 years, he retired from Lucent Technologies.

Mr. Croft loved to travel and was an accomplished cook and baker, always sharing his creations. He enjoyed painting and sketching characters, ships, and other ocean-related themes; always seeking to learn and gain new skills. He was a kind, generous, and gentle man with an easy smile who loved animals, history, a good story, and most of all spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed weekly outings to Dunkin’ Donuts with some old special friends.

He is survived by his loving daughters; Mary Ellen LaFrance and her husband, Brian of Haverhill and Anne Croft and Don Allen of Winthrop, cherished grandchildren; Jacob LaFrance, Christopher LaFrance, and Mintamir LaFrance. Dick also leaves his loyal and devoted coonhound, his “sweetie-pie” Maddie.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Monday, August 2 from 4:00PM until 7:00PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Funeral services will begin on Tuesday morning at the funeral home at 9:00AM with a  Mass of Christian burial to be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 114 Center Street, Groveland at 10AM. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Main Street, Groveland. Donations may be made in Richard’s name to: Paralyzed Veterans of America, https://pva.org/SupportVeterans, 1600 Providence Highway, Walpole, MA 02081, 1-800-555-9140. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com