Online Obituaries

CHICOPEE    Jean J. Croteau, Sr.  99, of Chicopee, passed away on January 17, 2026 at the Veteran’s Home in Holyoke.  He was born on August, 15, 1926 in Chicopee and was the son of the late George and Agnes (Beauchamp) Croteau.  Jean was a communicant of the former St. Mary’s Church in Chicopee and now a member of St. Rose de Lima Church, also in Chicopee. After he graduated from Cathedral High School, Jean proudly served his country in WWII in the Army Air Corp as a B-17 flight engineer.  After the war, he worked in his family business, George J. Croteau & Sons Contractors, until he retired.  Jean loved spending time with family and friends, especially playing cards, bowling and dancing with his wife, Norma.  For many years, he enjoyed spending winters in Englewood, FL with his wife and family.  Jean and Norma were also long-time members of the Model A Ford Restorers Club.  Jean is predeceased by his wife, Norma T. (Gaudette) Croteau, and his brothers, George, Paul, Peter and Bernard Croteau and his sisters, Theresa Phaneuf, Cecile Leger and Marguerite King.  He is survived by his son, Jay Croteau and his wife, Charlna of Chicopee, a daughter, Patty Coleman and her husband, Gary of Chicopee, a brother, Joseph Croteau and his wife, Pauline of Ware; 2 sisters-in-law, Linna Croteau and Annabelle Croteau; a brother-in-law, Robert King; 4 grandchildren, Gregory Croteau and his wife, Amanda, Kathryn Geoffroy and her husband, Woody, Beth Gadouas and her husband, David, and Kaitlyn Bassett and her husband, Adam; 7 great grandchildren, Ethan, Isabella, Lauren, Juliana, Amelia, Joshua, and Hannah along with many nieces and nephews.  The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at the Veterans Home in Holyoke for the wonderful care they gave their Dad.  Calling hours are on Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home on 69 East St. in Chicopee from 3 to 6 pm.  A. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at St. Rose de Lima Church, Grattan St. in Chicopee at 12 pm.  His burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation toward Dana-Farber Jimmy Fund or the Wounded Warrior Project.