David Winston Croft Jr.

David Croft passed away peacefully with his family by his side. Beloved husband of the late Ronna Nissenbaum Croft for 40 years; Father and Father-in-law of Stephanie (Randy) Rogers and Heather (Patrick) Cochrun; Dear Grandfather of Emma and Max Rogers, Bennett and Adalyn Cochrun; Dear Brother of Susan (Wendell) Smith, Kimberly (Gary) Huff, Cynthia (Robert) Covell and Jennifer Croft; Brother-in-law of Alan (Jeannette) Nissenbaum, Joan (Marc) Lewen and Jane (Michael) Weinhaus; Half-Brother of Michael Croft, Andrew Croft and the late Danny Croft; Dear Son of the late David W. (Gay) Croft Sr. and Alice Dunkle and Son-in-law to the late Jerry and Norma Nissenbaum; Uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Dave grew up in Huntington, Pennsylvania, the oldest of five children and the only brother to four younger sisters. From an early age, he embraced that role with both responsibility and humor—loving nothing more than teasing his sisters and delighting in harmless pranks that became legendary family stories.

He attended Bucknell University before serving in the United States Air Force Intelligence. During his service, he was sent to Syracuse University, where he accomplished the remarkable feat of learning Russian in just one month. He was later stationed in Germany, where he worked decoding Russian communications. After completing his military service, he returned to his studies, earning his bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, and later his Master of Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati.

It was at the University of Cincinnati where he met the love of his life—his wife of 40 years—on a campus bridge while conducting marketing research. Their first date, a tennis match, marked the beginning of a partnership that would define his life. Together, they settled in St. Louis, Missouri, where they raised two daughters and built a life rooted in love, dedication, and family.

Above all else, he was a devoted husband and father. He cared for his wife with unwavering strength and compassion through five separate cancer diagnoses, standing by her side with quiet courage, loyalty, and deep love that spoke louder than words.

Funeral service Friday May 15, 1 PM at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery in the Mausoleum, 8430 Gravois Rd. 63123. Visitation from 12 PM to the time of the service. Private Interment for family only. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions preferred to a charity of your choice.