Beloved husband, father, Pop Pop, brother, uncle, coach, super fan and friend.
Edward C. Croot, 84, of Reading, Massachusetts (formerly Long Valley, New Jersey), passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 13, 2024.
Born in Morristown, New Jersey, Ed grew up in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and went on to graduate from Bernards High School, New Jersey, and Tusculum College, Tennessee. He moved back to New Jersey, where he met the love of his life, Eileen Croot (née Morley), and had two children, Ed Jr and Amy. Nothing meant more to Ed than his family. He was immensely proud of them, as he would tell you as often as he could.
Ed founded Croot Realtors in the 1970s and had a successful career in commercial real estate for 50 years. He served as President of the Warren County Board of Realtors and Chairman of their Energy Conservation Committee for many years.
He was also a proud resident of Long Valley, New Jersey, since 1978, where he dedicated many hours to the community. He was honored as an outstanding Jaycee, coached many different teams for both children and was known as the biggest cheerleader for West Morris Central High School where he earned a lifetime “Super Fan” pass to all sporting events. He was also a regular at Our Lady of the Mountain Church on Schooley’s Mountain, New Jersey.
Ed loved nothing more than spending time with family, particularly his grandkids in his later years. He attended every game, concert, and play he could, always cheering for them. People who knew Ed describe him as the most optimistic person they knew, always smiling, kind and a fighter, having battled cancer for many decades. Ed had a zest for life that was infectious. We were blessed to have him in our lives.
Ed was a devoted husband of 53 years to Eileen Croot; loving father of Colonel Ed Croot and his wife, Tracy, Amy Croot and her husband, Adam; adoring grandfather of Scout, Zach, Kaylee, Max and Olivia, and brother of John, Ernest and Sam Croot. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews and close friends.
There will be a private ceremony for the family this week, followed by a celebration of life in New Jersey later this year.
