William H. Crocker Sr.

William Harrison Crocker of Sarasota and formerly of Englewood, Florida, passed away on October 10, 2025, at the age of 91, with his family by his side. Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife of sixty-four years Mary Crocker (2022), his sister Jacqueline Murray (2022) and his parents Lydia Crocker (Diamond) and William H. Crocker. Bill leaves behind his loving family of three children; William Crocker Jr (Patricia), Diane Del Rosso, John Crocker (Emily Brandenberger), six grandchildren; Katrina Crocker (Ryan Pollin), Michelle (Crocker) Wilhelm (Kevin), Nicholas Del Rosso, Jennifer Del Rosso (Bryson Del Rosso), Eliezer Gans-Crocker, Ezra Gans-Crocker, and his niece and nephew; Denise Kofron and Scott Murray.

Bill was proud of his Boston roots, where he was born and raised in Jamaica Plain. He maintained a successful and life-long career (48 years) at The Gillette Company in South Boston and established his home with his family in Brockton, MA. Bill served in the Army during the Korean War and was deployed to France for two years. His leadership team at Gillette sent him, with his young family, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for two years. Bill and Mary described their time in Brazil in the early-1960s as life changing, giving them a new perspective and ruining their ability to tolerate New England’s winter weather. They established a dream of retiring to Florida early on and together they built a second home and family of friends in the Englewood, Florida community.

Bill was an intelligent and engaging family man and friend who volunteered his time within his community including the Elks in Englewood where he served in various capacities for nearly thirty years. Bill was always happy to provide support and lend an ear to talk through life’s challenges. He was a problem solver, with a vast collection of “know how” from working hands-on with his father, a builder and general contractor in Boston. Bill would also provide elaborate driving directions when asked—all skills that were invaluable prior to the internet. Bill loved Mickey Mouse and Disney World and he visited often. Bill and Mary enjoyed an active and social retirement, travelling to Europe, Central America, the Caribbean islands, and many locations throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Bill was happiest spending time with his wife, family and his many friends that were like family to him.

Bill’s family wishes to acknowledge and express gratitude to all the caregivers and medical staff at Tuscan Gardens (Venice) and especially The Pines of Sarasota for the last fifteen months who provided support and care to Bill. Family and friends are welcome to attend the Elks Memorial Service and celebration of life with light refreshments to be held at The Elks Lodge Englewood, 401 N. Indiana Avenue, Englewood, FL 34223, at 12:30 P.M. on Sunday, November 16, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice or the Englewood Elks Lodge at englewoodelks2378.com.