Donald C. Croteau Jr., 65, of Salem passed away peacefully at home after a short but courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Born in Methuen, he was the son of the late Donald C. Croteau Sr. and Janice A. (Reed) Croteau.

Don attended Greater Lawrence Vocational School and Tenney High School followed by working with his Dad, Don Sr. at the family gas station and soon entering in his career at Malden Mills. Don was a fork lift mechanic turned supervisor and worked through the devastating mills fire and retiring with the company in 2017.

Don was a guy that was loved by all. He was well rounded and had many friends. But most of all he loved his family and his music. Family get togethers were weekly- a full house was a happy house. He had a love for playing softball with his friends in his younger adult years, friends that he still had to this day. Don was a man of action and had a can-do attitude. He loved to mow his lawn and clean up his yard. He was a mechanical man and as much working on cars really pressed his buttons and made him say unspeakable words- it was something he loved. Have you ever heard him list off all the different cars he has had since driving… In order?

Don was someone amazing. He brought light and love to everything and everyone he was around. He was a hard worker and did anything possible to ensure his kids had a good life. He wasn't judgmental, you could tell him anything and if you wanted him to listen, he would and if you wanted advice, he gave you unbiased advice.

As Don's kids grew older and flew the coup, he got to experience a new found love for Vegas all thanks to his fiancée Cheryl. He always talked about the lights, the people, the shows. It all amazed him and kept them going back many times.

There is no one in this world that could replace the man that we all lost on March 16 ^th . He was everything you love in a person. He made sure everyone knew they were loved, appreciated and how proud he was and he was everyone's person. We have all lost a piece of our hearts without him here.

Though we had to let him go, his Dad Donald Sr., Mom Janice, brother James A. Croteau and his side-kick Caesar (his dog) are happy to see him in Heaven and without a doubt welcomed his smiling face with open arms.

Donald is survived by his fiancée Cheryl Smith of Salem, his daughter, Tara Jean Benjamin and her husband Richie of Derry, his son Donald C. Croteau III of Methuen, his daughter Michele Roy and her significant other Mike Bourassa of Derry, his son David Croteau and his wife Sarah of Andover, MA, his daughter Emily Walworth and her husband Matt of Hampstead, his son Zachary Croteau and his fiancé Madison Valentino of Newburyport, his son Max the Cat of Salem; his grandchildren Nicholas, Tyler, Donnie, Cameron, Ethan, Brenna, Amelia, Jordan, Daphne, Christian, Savannah, Francesca, Lily the Golden and Henry the Frenchie; his sisters Debra Ann Kimball and her husband, Kevin; and Patricia Ann Alicea and her husband, Tony; all from Salem; his step-children Heather Smith and her significant other Steve York of Pepperell, MA; and Michael Smith and his wife Sam of Milford, NH; and his step-grandchildren Haleigh and Quentin Smith. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visiting hours on Sunday, March 21 ^st , from 1pm to 5pm, at Douglas and Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH. His funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, March 22 ^nd at 11am. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery.