Richard Joel Croft's Obituary
Richard Joel Croft of Boynton Beach, Florida and Bristol, Rhode Island passed away peacefully on November 20, 2021 after 83 years filled with love, laughter and happiness. Richard was born and raised in Chicago to parents Benjamin and Anne Croft. After graduating from Roosevelt University, Richard began a forty-year career in the shoe industry as a salesman for Gold Seal Rubber Company and later held executive sales positions with Timberland and Reebok. He then decided to partner with his loving wife in growing Leanne Croft Interiors.
Richard and Leanne wed in 1962 and had a storybook marriage, raising three adoring children – Tracy, Wendy, and Bradley – as Richard’s jobs took him from Chicago to Dallas to Atlanta and ultimately to Andover, Massachusetts. After retiring, Richard and Leanne split their time between Bristol, Rhode Island and Boynton Beach, Florida, where they lived in the Cascades, a community which Richard cherished.
A sage advisor, avid spy-novel reader, diehard New England Patriots and Boston Celtics fan, Vienna Beef hotdog connoisseur, inspiring sports coach, and tennis and pickleball enthusiast, Richard’s greatest passion in life was people. In every relationship he made, from his deepest friendships to casual conversations with acquaintances, Richard had a natural and genuine interest in people and possessed the rare ability to truly listen and engage. His humility, charm, infectious smile, and sense of humor made a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Of course, the people closest to Richard’s heart were his family. At the center was his wife of nearly 60 years, Leanne. Their love was deep and abiding, their support for one another unwavering, and their marriage a model for their children and grandchildren alike. Daughters Tracy Daugherty (Bill) and Wendy Duncan (Bruce) and son Bradley Croft (Shannon), and grandchildren Ashley, Corey, and Lindsay Daugherty, Sydney, Chelsea and Bailey Duncan, and Luca and Nico Croft have been blessed by Richard with a lifetime of beautiful memories and a legacy of strength and goodness that will nourish them and future generations for many years to come.
A memorial service honoring Richard’s life will be held on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at 10AM at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel, 11115 Jog Rd, Boynton Beach, Florida. Those wishing to honor Richard with a memorial contribution are kindly asked to consider The Pap Corps, Champions of Cancer Research, 1191 E Newport Center Drive, Suite 107, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 or The Pap Corps Tribute Donations - Cascade Chapter or online at Richard Croft Online Donation (https://app.mobilecause.com/form/vSuMjQ?vid=nqsne).
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