Peacefully on January 9, 2023, of Medford, NJ. Age 97 years. Beloved husband of the late Janet J. Croft (nee Jones). He is also lovingly survived by his children: John H. (Valerie), Cheri, Kurt (Denise), Jim (Nancy) and Jennifer (Mike); 16 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

John W Croft was born November 29, 1925 in Cooper Hospital, Camden, NJ. He and his siblings (George and Clara) were raised by their parents while they lived and worked on the farm located in Cherry Hill, NJ.

John attended Haddonfield Friends School through 8 ^th grade, continued high school at Moorestown Friends and graduated in 1943. We can safely say that Quakerism became instilled in him while attended the Friends schools. He was a quiet man and not one to pat his own back or brag of his accomplishments. We children are very proud of our father and now is our turn to tell his tale:

Although Quakers are exempt from the military, John enlisted in the Coast Guard on his 18 ^th birthday. He served during WWII on two Landing Craft Infantry ships. It was there that he received the nickname "Crofty." Although Dad didn't talk too much about his time in the service, we do know the first LCI he was on was held off the coast of Normandy, France, and orders were to provide a smoke screen during the battle. Once the beaches were secured, they were ordered to "clean up the beaches and water."  Shortly after the battle of Normandy, training began in Maryland to prepare for service in the Pacific Theatre. Okinawa was his destination.

Dad was honorably discharged from the service in 1946. He was known to say two statements of WWII, "Battle by air turned the war around" and "War is hell." He tried to further his education at that time but we are told he had too much energy to sit in a classroom. He withdrew from post-high school education and started his business of homebuilding.

In September 1946, our father and mother met on a blind date. Her name:  Janet Jones.
They were married June 17, 1950 and had five children; John, Cheri, Kurt, Jim and Jen. We lived in the Cherry Hill area and in 1963 moved to Medford where we lived in a lovely home with room to romp, had chores to do, cared for many pets, all the while respecting elders and learning life's lessons.

Dad formed his pipe-laying business, Croft Construction, in 1955 and in 1967 started the specialty work of boring. He worked hard until retiring in 1990. We can say that he played hard too. During the 35 years of running his business, many "work associates" became good friends. Dad was not a quitter. He was a participant in the Cherry Hill Rotary for 50 years. Again, he and mother developed wonderful relationships with the Rotarians.

Dad stayed busy with a few interests outside of work. He obtained his pilot's license in the late 1940s, sorry to say he stopped flying when we children were born but visiting the local airfields never stopped. He regained his pilot's license in 1967 or so and obtained his private, commercial, multi-engine and instrument ratings. He used his flying expertise mostly for business but for some pleasure too. It truly was a pleasure to fly with him. He certainly took the task seriously and had many compliments on his ability to handle the plane. Toward the latter years of flying, he was invited to join the Quiet Birdmen club.

Dad had a natural athleticism within himself. He played soccer when in school, dabbled in boxing while in the Coast Guard/Navy and joined community football and baseball teams when he came home from the service. We enjoyed watching him dive from a diving board or two. He made swan dives look like he was flying and jackknives cleanly cut into the water. Staying physically fit was one of his priorities and he was a member of Corey's Gym for many years.

If Dad knew you like parties, he'd be sure to invite you to the yearly pig roast at the farm in Marlton. At this pig roast, there were many people, loud music, dancing, plenty of food and lots of beverage - from a keg. Always a fun time with him around.

Dad stayed busy during his retirement years tinkering in the house or garage, walking the property to be sure all was in order, visiting his brother in Cherry Hill and sometimes he'd stop into a gin mill just "to make sure it was still there."

Our father and mother saw each other through thick and thin forming a bond that is now seldom heard of.  After 72 years of marriage, Mother passed away November 6, 2022. Dad became ill on December 26 thus passing away January 9, 2023.

We thank all family and friends who gave our father the magnificent relationships that made him happy. Thank you to Sampson, Dad's aide who unfortunately was vacationing when Dad became ill.

Needless to say, our father was a force to be reckoned with but he had a sense of humor that sometimes came as a surprise. Some people say he had a glimmer in his eye that showed a "bit of a spunk in him." We kids saw him as quiet, kind, generous, understanding most of the time and sometimes a little scary. He succeeded in being a very good husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. Our dad taught us how to deal with life and hopefully we have done half as well with our own children. Our father, John W. Croft, will be greatly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Monday, January 16, 10 AM to 11 AM at the FOSTER-WARNE FUNERAL HOME, 250 S. White Horse Pike, Audubon, NJ. Funeral Service will follow at 11 AM. Interment with military honors at Harleigh Cemetery, Camden, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to your favorite charity.

For your reference: www.history.uscg.mil/browse-by-topic/conflicts/world-war-II/D-day-june-6-1944-normandy/uscg-manned-lci-l-s/