Fernand A. Croteau

The Reverend Fernand A. Croteau, 69, Pastor of Holy Rosary Church, Hooksett, died suddenly at home January 15, 2001. He was born in Manchester, NH on October 14, 1931, the son of the late Fernando and Felixine (Auger) Croteau and had been a resident of this area for most of his life. Father is the eldest of ten children and he attended elementary and high school at Ste. Marie School, Manchester. NH. After completing two years at St. Anselm College, he entered St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland for six years of study, leading to his ordination on June 15, 1957 by Bishiop Mathew F. Brady. Father Croteau served as Associate pastor in the following parishes of the diocese: Guardina Angel Church, Berlin, NH from June 1957 to Sept. 1961, St. George Church, Manchester, NH Sept. 1961 to April 1965, St. Francis Xavier Church, Nashua, NH from Arpil 1965 to March 1969, Infant Jesus Church, Nashua, as Administrator from March to June of 1969, St. Martin Church, Somersworth, NH from June 1969 to March 1971, St. Theresa Church, Manchester, NH March 1971 to October 1973. Father was then named Pastor of St. Theresa Church Manchester, from October 1973 to Sept. 1976. On Sept. 8, 1976, he was named Pastor of St. Anthony Church, Manchester where he continued to minister to this day. In June 1988 he became Pastor of Holy Rosary Church, Hooksett, NY. During the years of his ministry Father Croteau has also been involved with the Catholic War Veterans and has served as State Chaplain for two years, 1972 to 1974. It was in 1974 that he became judge of the Marriage Tribuna as defender of the bond. During his years as associate he also pursued extensive studies in marriage counseling. His intrest in genealogy date back to 1957, when he traveled to Quebec with Father Gerard Boucher to look up his ancestral roots. This hobby continued to develop as Father Croteau is presently a member of six Geneological Societies in the United States and Canada. He has published over twenty repertories of marriages from the record of over fifty parishes in the State. During the past twenty-five years, Father has also traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and the Holy Land. He continues to be a collector of stamps, coins and scale model cars. Family members include two brothers, Roger Croteau of West Pittston, Pa. and George Croteau of Manchester, five sisters, Miss Rita Croteau, Mrs. Joseph (Jeannine) Labore, Mrs. Jean-Guy (Pauline) Fauteux, all of Manchester, Mrs. Paul (Doris) Morin of Derry and Orlando, FL., and Mrs. Larry (Lucille) Schaechter of Wyoming, several nieces, nephews and cousins. SERVICES: Calling hours are at the Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 250 Coolidge Avenue, Sunday evening from 6:30 to 9 o'clock and Monday from 2 to 4 PM. Due to the size of Holy Rosary Church the Rite of Reception and Solemn Vespers will take place at Ste. Marie Church, Manchester, the home parish of Father Croteau, at 7 PM on Monday. The body will lie in state until 9 AM on Tuesday when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 o'clock by the Most Reverend John B. McCormack, Bishop of Manchester. I