Edward M. Croteau

Ed Croteau passed away peacefully on July 3 after a short illness, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a suspiciously large stash of snack foods.

Born in 1936 in Merrick, New York, he was the son of Leo and Helen Croteau. Gifted in math and science from an early age, Ed commuted daily from Long Island to attend Brooklyn Technical High School. He went on to graduate from Clarkson College in 1957 with a degree in electrical engineering.

In 1962, while in northern New York, Ed met Joanne LaPlante. After a brief engagement, they married, and Ed spirited Joanne away for a life of adventure. Together, they shared 62 years of love and partnership, raising two children along the way.

Ed’s career took the family across the country and overseas, including work on the space program at Cape Canaveral during the 1960s. His work with Eastman Kodak eventually brought the family to Rochester, where they made their home for more than 50 years. Ed retired from Kodak in 1991 and went on to enjoy a long and fulfilling retirement, generously volunteering his time to many local organizations and helping them design and implement computer systems.

Ed will be remembered as a devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, a brilliant technical mind, and a man who doggedly wore flannel shirts on the hottest of summer days.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne; his son, Michael Croteau; his daughter, Ellen (Tom) Tillson; and his grandchildren Simone, Hannah, Cecilia, Nathan, and Nina — all of whom know to keep their snack cabinets well stocked in his honor.

Family will greet friends on Friday, July 11th from 4-7 at Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home at 777 Long Pond Road. A mass celebrating Ed’s life will take place on Saturday, July 12th at 11:00am at St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Church at 54 Kuhn Road.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.