Gerard Raymond ("Ray") Crotty

Gerard Raymond Crotty “Ray” passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 29, 2018, surrounded by family and friends.

Ray is survived by his spouse of 55 years, Terese Moran Crotty and their three sons: Christopher (Sheetal) and grandsons, Ronin and Ceiran of Agora Hills, California; William (Amy) and granddaughters, Ava, Darcy, Logan and grandson, Liam of Lewes, Delaware; Kevin (Shannon) and granddaughters, Tatum and McKenna of Dover, Massachusetts.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Bridget (Marrinan) Crotty; sister, Patricia L. Rogan; brother, Joseph J. Crotty.  He is survived by his sister, Bridget Collins and husband, John of Dublin, Ireland.

Ray was born at home on June 7, 1938 in Kilkee, Co. Clare, Ireland.  His family immigrated to the United States, arriving on November 27, 1951 and he later became a U.S. Citizen.  Ray was a graduate of All Hallows H.S. (’55) and Manhattan College (’66), Bronx, NYC.  He had a 37 year career with The Columbia Gas System Service Corporation, where, starting from an entry-level position, he retired as Manager of Data Base and Construction.  Ray also served his country with honor and distinction as a member of the 5th Howitzer Battalion, 6th Artillery of the 77th Infantry Division.

A fan of the great outdoors and sports in general, he particularly enjoyed hunting, fly fishing, softball, track and field, golf and travels to Ireland.  Ray’s love for the NY Giants, NY Mets and Rangers (LA Kings secondarily) was endless.  His great delight was being a Giants fan in Eagles country, and he was never bashful in telling you how many Super Bowl rings the Giants had. 

Few knew of his passion for Ireland’s national games, Gaelic Football and Hurling, particularly the “Inter-county Clare Teams”.  In his youth he “hurled” for Co. Clare in Gaelic Park in New York City, playing center field.  Many hours were spent on internet radio keeping abreast of the exploits and achievements of his home county teams.

Ray’s avocation, however, was youth soccer.  Ray was a Qualified Official, held a National “C” Coaching License and for several years was a member of the Region 1 USYSA Tournament Committee.  For over 24 years he was associated with the Kirkwood Soccer Club where he coached at all levels and held several administrative positions.  He was honored to have served as Vice-Chairman of the committee that built The Kirkwood Soccer Club complex.  Following his tenure at Kirkwood, Ray returned to coaching for 17 years at Salesianum School as an assistant coach on the JV Program.

Ray was also active in the Knights of Columbus, and the alumni association of his high school, All Hallows, where he was Co-Chairman of the “William Carr Class of ’55 Scholarship Fund”.

Friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19808 on Friday, April 13 from 5:00-7:00PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19808 on Saturday, April 14 at 10:00AM.  Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, Delaware 19808.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “The Willie Carr Class of ’55 Scholarship Fund”, All Hallows H.S., 111 East 164th Street, Bronx, NY 10452, Salesianum H.S., 1801 N. Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19802, or St. Thomas More Oratory, 45 Lovett Avenue, Newark, DE 19711.

The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and attending staff, all too many to name, associated with Johns Hopkins, Dana Faber Cancer Institute, and Christiana Care who engaged in herculean efforts on Ray’s behalf.

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