BELFAST – Thomas “Wally” Croker, 88, died Nov. 14, 2009, at a local health care facility. He was born July 11, 1921, in Cedarhurst, N.Y., son of Howard and Gertrude (White) Croker. Wally was a U.S. Army World War II combat veteran. He was a model for many years with the Ford Agency, doing print ads in Life magazine, Esquire, The New Yorker and many others for cigarettes and automobiles. He had summered in Belfast since 1950 and wintered in Los Verdis, Calif. Wally moved full-time to his Ocean Street home in 1978. After moving to Maine, he had a variety of accomplishments, including selling heavy-duty trucks in Caribou and being a member for more than 50 years at Northport Golf Club. Wally played on many of the country’s golf courses and enjoyed a golden hole-in-one at Samoset, hitting a one iron. He had an extensive library and was a great history buff, conversant on many topics. Along with being an avid golfer, he loved boats and sailing, and for a period of time owned a 53-foot schooner named Serene. Wally enjoyed people and socialized while working out at Belfast YMCA and Bay Area Fitness. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. He enjoyed lunch at Bell the Cat and good conversation with everyone he met. He was predeceased by three brothers and three sisters. He is survived by a brother, Howard Croker of Belfast; a sister, Marion Coscette of New York; one niece and two nephews; special friends, Robin Thibodeau, Richard Morrison, Mike Knox, and Larry and Pat Quinn; and his many friends who made sure he made all of his trips to Bangor. A special thanks to the staff at Tall Pines for their care of Wally. Friends are invited for a time of fellowship and remembering Wally 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast. A memorial Mass will be held 9 a.m. Friday at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Court Street, Belfast. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in Wally’s memory to Belfast YMCA, 157 Lincolnville Ave., Belfast, ME 04915. Online condolences may be placed at www.crabielripostafuneralhome.com.
THOMAS ‘WALLY’ CROKER
