Donald Charles Crooker

Donald Charles Crooker passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, following a brief illness.

Donald was born on October 15, 1937 to William and Rose (Levesque) Crooker of Nashua, NH. He was one of 7 children. After graduating from Nashua High School, Donald enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served as a member of the 101st Airborne. It was during his service that he met and fell in love with Mary Rose (Coffey) of Brooklyn, NY, the sister of one of his fellow paratroopers and closest friend, James Coffey. Donald and Mary were married in Brooklyn on May 21, 1960 and made their roots back in Nashua.

Donald and Mary participated in over 20 mission trips to Honduras with the Rotary International’s Hands to Honduras. They helped to build schools, dig wells, run medical clinics, and distribute supplies brought from the U.S. After they retired, Don and Mary loved spending their winters in Florida close to a number of their friends, including Mary’s brother Danny and sister-in-law Christine as well as their close friends Chuck and Janet. After Mary’s passing in 2014, Donald continued to live in the home that he had built for the family alongside his daughter Patricia Crooker.

Don is survived by his children Donald and his wife Celeste, Denise and her husband Chris, Sarah and her husband Steve, Jim and his wife Anne, Kathleen and Tim Gilbert, and Patricia; along with 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews, all of whom will carry his memory forward. In addition, they opened their hearts and home to others including unwed mothers and over 70 foster children. He is survived by his siblings John Crooker and Isabel Freeman

Donald was a strong, hard-working man, husband, and father. His unconditional love for his family knew no bounds. He could always be counted on for a hand, a hug, and his words of wisdom. He was a man who could make anyone laugh, who listened carefully, loved deeply and unconditionally, and worked hard to make sure everyone felt at home, no matter their circumstances. To most of us he was a best friend, a role model, and a hero – our Superman. While we celebrate that Donald has been reunited with his wife Mary Rose, he will be profoundly missed by his family, We love you more Daddy ❤

There will be a memorial service and celebration of life on Monday May 19th at 10:00 a.m. at The immaculate Conception Parish in Nashua NH.