Obituary of Bernard J. Croke

Bernard J. Croke, 84, passed away on June 16, 2012, at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with his family by his side. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on October 20th, 1927, the son of Michael & Emma (Tompkins) Croke. He moved to Utica in 1941 and met the love of his life, Martha Montana. They were married on November 9th, 1957 and shared a wonderful union of almost 55 years. Bernie worked as a salesman and kitchen designer for many years with Sears Roebuck & Co and later, Rome General Lumber where he met many wonderful people through the years. Bernie was friendly, outgoing, quick with a joke and had a phenomenal ability to remember people. He was eternally optimistic and had a very generous nature. Bernie was a talented craftsman and enjoyed making handmade gifts as well as personalized wooden mementos for many people who touched his life. He was a gifted storyteller with an amazing memory; a voracious reader and had a wealth of knowledge on many subjects. Bernie leaves his wife, Martha, three children, Michael & Sally Croke of Rock Hill, SC, Steven & Donna Croke of Vernon Center and Michele & Mark Spinella Sr of Clinton, six grandchildren, Julie & Ricky Means, Karri Croke, Mark & Jennifer Spinella Jr., Tina and Wesley Lathe, Jacob Croke and Christine Capone, and Katy Croke and seven great-grandchildren; Jordan, Seth, Tinsley, Baylee, Jaxson, Lucas, and Lilianna. He also leaves two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law; Joseph Montana of New York Mills and Anthony & Tania Montana of Frankfort as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements are made with Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service. At Bernie's request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Mass is scheduled for St. Mary's Church, Clinton, NY on Saturday June 23rd at 10 o'clock. The family would like to thank Dr. Emile Wassil and Dr. Yekaterina Kashtanova for their exceptional skill and compassion as well as the dialysis unit of Faxton Hospital, Faxton St.Luke's ICU, Martin Lutheran Home and Centro's Dial-a-ride for their excellent care.