Gary Wilfred Croteau

Gary was born in Keene, New Hampshire, on June 23, 1963, to Carlton Croteau and the late Phyllis Wescott Croteau. He attended St. Joseph School and graduated from Keene High School in 1981. While at Keene High, he played both football and baseball, earning the Unsung Hero Award for football.

In June 1985, Gary married Kim Hewitt. They first lived in Winchester before settling in Swanzey, where they raised their two children, Kyle and Brittany.

Gary worked for several construction companies, including Everett Lounder and Bergeron Construction. He later joined the City of Keene Parks Department, where he worked until his retirement in 2021. Following retirement, he worked for Emile Legere Property Management until his passing.

Gary enjoyed candlepin bowling, especially during the years his family owned and operated Pastime Lanes. He also played softball for many years in the Greater Keene Softball League. He served as Commander of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron #4 and remained an active member throughout his life. Gary loved grilling, golfing, playing pool, camping, riding ATVs, relaxing on his back deck, and hunting. In recent years, he and his son, Kyle, served together as Hunter Education Instructors for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Above all else, Gary treasured spending time with his family, especially his children and his two cherished grandchildren. He could often be found cheering from the sidelines at local sporting events. Known simply as "Croteau" to many of his friends, he may have been loud in conversation, but he was fiercely loyal and always among the first to lend a helping hand to family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Kim, of Swanzey, NH; his son Kyle and his wife Sarah Hall Croteau of Swanzey, NH; his daughter Brittany Shufelt and her husband Garrett of Otsego, MN; his father, Carlton Croteau of Keene; his stepmother, Pauline Martineau of Keene, NH; his brother Kevin and Sharon Croteau of Winchester, NH; his sister, Teresa Perry of Old Orchard Beach, Maine; his sister, Cathy Croteau of Nashua, NH; his mother-in-law, Barbara Hewitt of Swanzey NH; and his sister-in-law, Kristen Warner of Westmoreland NH. He also leaves his precious grandchildren, Archer and Charlotte Shufelt of Otsego, MN along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Gary was predeceased by his mother, Phyllis W. Croteau, his brother, Bruce Allan Croteau, his father-in-law, Ken Hewitt, and his brother-in-law, Jeff Hewitt.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 15, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Monadnock Covenant Church, 90 Base Hill Road in Keene. Burial at Mountain View Cemetery in Swanzey will be private.

A gathering to celebrate Gary's life will be held at the American Legion Post #4, Court St, Keene NH on Thursday, July 16, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in Gary's name to the Sons of the American Legion Squadron #4 Scholarship Fund, 797 Court Street, Keene, NH 03431.