Juan Frank Crofton

On November 25, 2011, Juan Frank Crofton, our Dad, Granddaddy and dear friend, passed away quietly at his home surrounded by a loving and grateful family. He was the patriarch of a family whose admiration and love for him is unparalleled. Juan is preceded in death by his wife Bunny. Left to cherish his memory are his children Camille, Jay, Bob and Kenny and their spouses Dana, Sharon, Donna and Teddi. He was Granddaddy to 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Juan was born in Newport News, Virginia on August 10, 1922 and grew up in Williamston, NC. He attended Duke University, served in the US Navy and began his diving career in the commercial diving industry as an employee of Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock in the early 40’s. In 1949, he embarked on what would one day become the oldest continuous diving firm in the United States and one of the largest commercial diving companies on the east coast, Crofton Diving Corporation. Juan’s passion for service and integrity to the maritime industry, for which he cared so dearly, was exceeded only by the love for his family and devotion to his countless friends. He was respected by all who knew him and who worked for him and called him Captain Crofton.

He was formally active in numerous maritime organizations throughout the Hampton Roads Community, including the Propeller Club of Newport News, and in 2005, he was inducted into the internationally recognized Association of Diving Contractors Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to the Commercial Diving Industry. He made long lasting friendships with members of the Hampton Roads maritime community that he dearly respected and loved.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, of which there were many, he pursued life with determination and humility. Juan loved dancing with his beautiful wife Bunny to big band music, traveling with his friends and spending time at Holiday Island. He built amazing radio controlled airplanes and was active in radio controlled flying with his group of flying buddies, but what he loved best was having his family around him laughing and having a good time.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Juan’s caregivers Marti Martinez, Mary Sheets and others from Seniorcorp.

The Crofton Family will receive friends at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N. Witchduck Rd., Virginia Beach from 6 PM to 8 PM on Nov. 28, 2011. The funeral will be held at 2 PM, November 29, 2011at the funeral home. Burial will follow immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association,

P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, 1(800)272-3900.

You may pay your condolence at www.kellumfuneralhome.com

Arrangements under the direction of Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, Virginia Beach, VA.