John M. Croteau

Dr. John M. Croteau, 86, of Bedford, NH, formerly of Keene, NH, died September 24, 2021 after a short illness.

Born in Keene, NH on December 9, 1934, he was the son of the late Omer and Sybil (Harper) Croteau of East Swanzey, NH. Growing up during World War II, he admired his uncles who were fighting for our country. He was educated in the Keene, NH school system and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of NH. He earned his doctorate degree in Dental Medicine from Tufts Dental School. During his time in the US Navy, he was stationed in Boston, MA and following his active duty he remained in the reserves for several years.

Prior to retirement, Dr. Croteau owned and operated his own dental practice in Keene, NH for over 50 years and was a founding member of Delta Dental. He had been a long-standing member of the Keene, NH Lions Club. He volunteered his time to help the less fortunate by providing free dental care to local children.

He and his wife Suzanne enjoyed aviation, he piloting and she navigating their Cessna airplane, flying family and friends all over New England including the Cape and the Islands. An avid fisherman, he spent much of his time in the New Hampshire wilderness, teaching his children to respect nature and the love of fishing. He also liked hiking in the woods and skiing in the mountains with his loving family.

Dr. Croteau is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Suzanne (Vogeley) Croteau of Bedford, NH; his children Daniel L. Croteau and wife Miika Keerd of Hollis NH, Douglas M. Croteau and Diana Croteau of Winchester, NH, Nicolee L. Croteau of Winchendon, MA, Gabrielle (Croteau) Wiles of Gardner, MA, Andrew J. Croteau and Dana (Seehale) Croteau of Gloucester, MA, Marya L. Croteau of Concord, NH, Edward J. Croteau of Goffstown, NH, and Timothy J. Croteau of Gloucester, MA. And his grandchilderen Chantal Croteau, Alicia Ferreira, Johnny Croteau, Valerie Croteau, Victoria Croteau, Khyra Kelly, Cassie Hulecki, Luca Croteau, and many great grandchildren; brothers Scott L. Croteau of Winchester, NH, and Thomas M. Croteau of Rollingsford, NH; and many nephews and nieces.
Dr. Croteau was predeceased by his daughter Lynn M. Croteau, grandson Patrick Joseph Kelly, brother Gale H. Croteau of New Milford, CT and sister Kay E. Davis of Dover, NH.

Calling hours at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St, corner of North St, Manchester, NH will be Wednesday September 29th from 5 to 7 pm followed by a brief service in the funeral home chapel. Burial with military honors will be in the family lot at St. Joseph Cemetery, Keene, NH on Thursday September 30th, at 12:00 PM. Family requests that all attendees to wake and committal service where a mask.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

To send an online message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.