DONALD JAMES CROTEAU, 86, of Stark Highway died peacefully at his residence on Sunday, January 17, 2016 after a lengthy illness with his family by his side.

Donald was born in Groveton, NH on November 8, 1929 the son of John P. and Urania (Severy) Croteau and has been a lifelong resident of the Groveton/ Stark area.  He was a graduate of Groveton High School, class of 1948.  He was the Police Chief in Stark from 1962 until he retired in 1982 and became a part-time officer for Stark until 2005.  He was also employed by the Coos County Sheriff's Department as a patrol officer for the forest access roads. Donald also worked at the paper mills in Groveton for twenty-five years; seven years in the napkin department and eighteen years as security until retiring in 1993; and he worked part-time the woods.

Donald was very community oriented and active with the Stark Improvement Foundation from 1974 - 2004. He enjoyed collecting coins; the Red Sox and his daily newspapers. Donald enjoyed being the "Band Manager" for the Bourbon Street Band all the years they were together. He also loved his family gatherings.

Donald is survived by his wife of sixty years Madeleine "Mad" (Gallant) Croteau of Stark; five children Irene Shover and husband Michael of Bradford, VT; Dennis Croteau and wife Susan of Stark; Peter Croteau of Concord, NH; Susan Fogg and husband Daniel of Stark; and John "Johnny C." Croteau of Groveton; seven grandchildren Jamie Colby; Nathan Croteau; Ashley Arsenault; Danielle Brier; Jessica Croteau; Dereck Croteau and Seth Fogg; five great-grandchildren.

Donald was predeceased by his parents John P. Croteau; Urania (Severy) Croteau House and step-father Benjamin House.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 22, 2016 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the Armstrong-Charron Funeral Home in Groveton. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 10:00 am at the St. Francis Xavier Church in Groveton with Fr. Daniel Deveau, pastor officiating. Inurnment will be in the spring in the Emerson Road Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Donald's name to the Stark Pew Owner's Association; C/O Debbie Montgomery; 45 Montgomery Road, Stark, NH 03582.