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BORN

1933

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home

530 W. 14th Street

Chicago Heights, Illinois

Donald Croarkin Obituary

Croarkin, Donald J. Age 84 of Chicago Heights, formerly of Chicago's South Shore neighborhood. U.S. Army National Guard Veteran. Don attended St. Brides, Chicago, Quigley Prep Seminary, St. Mary of the Lake Seminary (BA), Loyola University Chicago (M.Ed), Dominican University (MLS) and the University of Vienna. Over the years he was employed by Chicago Public Schools, Springfield Ave. Jr. High in Midlothian and Bloom Township in Chicago Heights. Don spent 36 years as Librarian at Bloom Trail H.S., where the library was named for him. He was the Co-Director of Bloom Alumni Association since 2000 and served on the Bloom H.S. Credit Union for 30 years. Member of the IEA, NEA and Knights of Columbus. Don was honored with the Christi Fidelis Award by the Chicago Archdiocese. His hobbies included golf, stamp collecting, family genealogy and foreign travel, especially to Ireland and Italy. Don was a giving, selfless, faithfull loving man always willing to provide a helping hand to anyone. Son of the late Eugene Croarkin and Rose Croarkin-Metzinger (nee Staskiewicz); brother of the late Jeannine (Larry) Leaveck and infant Richard Croarkin; uncle of Suzanne (Joseph) Trujillo, Sean (Angela) Leaveck, the late Laurinne (Michael) Kinney, Timothy (Debbie) Leaveck, and LiAnne Leaveck; nephew of the late Albert (late Wanda) Nyholt, Monsignor Walter Croarkin, Albert (late Mary) Benson, Rudolph (late Rita) Cross, and Gerry (late Mildred) Croarkin; special cousin of David (Joyce) Croarkin, Daniel (Chris) Croarkin, MaryRita (Joe) Janz, Martha (Bill) Brennan, the late Tom (Mary Therese) Croarkin and Albert (Sharon) Croarkin; best friend of Mary Prendergast (nee DiGiovanni). Resting at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 W. 14th St. (U.S. Rt. 30, 3 blks E. of Western Ave.), Chicago Heights on Friday, October 20th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Saturday morning 9:15 a.m. to St. Agnes Church, 1501 Chicago Rd., Chicago Heights. Mass 10:00 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Worth. In lieu of flowers, memorial in Don's name to the American Cancer Society, 17060 S. Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, IL, 60477 would be appreciated by his family. For further service information contact 708-481-9230 or panozzobros.com

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Oct. 15, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
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Class of 93, Mr Croarkin was a class act, and more importantly a very nice person. Everybody loved him.

Mason Wehrle

January 15, 2020

Today we received a newspaper clipping from the Chicago Tribune of Don's in October 2017. There was no message in the envelope, which was postmarked Denver, Colorado; but, I am assuming it was mailed by his niece, whom he spoke of often.

My husband and I are deeply saddened to hear of Don's passing. We know he had been having health problems, when we spoke to him about a year ago. Then when we did not receive his usual Christmas Letter, we knew something was wrong. I sent him an email - no response. Whoever sent us the clipping, thank you! It was such a shock to loose this dear man.

We met Don and his friends in a Irish pub in 2001, when touring Ireland, and became friends instantly! As everyone knows, to know him is to "laugh" with him. There were visits with Don and Yvonne Helmer in Chicago, and he came here to Annapolis to visit with us a few times, and we went touring, sailing and he visited with our family.

We will cherish our memories of Don, and all the fun times we had. He was a giving man, who remembered birthdays, anniversaries, and gifted us with so many things. His friendship was his BEST GIFT.

Connie & John Robinson

January 29, 2018

Deepest condolences to the Croarkin family and Mrs. Prendergast who was a constant companion and special friend. Bloom students were blessed to have had wonderful teachers and mentors. Many of us met 'Mr. Croarkin' at Bloom and worked with him in later years on Bloom Alumni events. Despite the years, the respect we had for him remained and I know most people still referred to him as 'Mr Croarkin' rather than Don. He continued to be a source of information and always so welcoming no matter where we met. He will always be on the list of most influential Bloom faculty. Rest in Peace and God's Speed, Mr. Croarkin.

Pam Meyer Bloom Class of 1973

October 19, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family. May the assurance at Psalms 29:11 provide comfort to you at this difficult time.

October 17, 2017

Don was someone we students at Bloom could turn to for any kind of guidance we might have needed. He was a kind and gracious soul, and it was a blessing to reconnect with him when I returned to visit Bloom four years ago. My deepest most sincere sympathy to his family and friends - and to The Bloom Community.

Toby Gershon-Padgett, BTHS '70

October 17, 2017

Patti Hannah

October 16, 2017

My deepest sympathy to Mr. Croarkin's family and friends.

God looked around his garden,
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth,
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you,
And lifted you to rest;
God's garden must be beautiful-He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
He knew you were in pain;
He knew you would never get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
And hills were hard to climb
So he closed your weary eyelids, and whispered,
"Peace be thine."
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone,
For a part of us went with you,
The day God called you home

You were a great man to look up to at Bloom Trail. You will be missed.

Patti Hannah

October 16, 2017

Dear Mary I am so saddened to hear of your loss and offer our deepest condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. Matthew 5:4

David G Rich

October 16, 2017

Don always sent me a birthday card every year for my whole life! He also sent all of my family birthday cards each year, as well as anniversary cards. I imagine he did that for many. He was thinking of others. I remember him as upbeat and cheerful. He was devoted to Christ. I know he his glad to be reunited in Heaven with family and friends. God bless his close friends and loved ones he left behind.
Michael Croarkin

Michael Croarkin

October 16, 2017

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Memorial Events
for Donald Croarkin

Oct

20

Reposing

3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home

530 W. 14th Street Lincoln Hwy. (Rt. 30), Chicago Heights, IL 60411

Oct

21

Funeral

9:15 a.m.

Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home

530 W. 14th Street Lincoln Hwy. (Rt. 30), Chicago Heights, IL 60411

Oct

21

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Agnes Church

1501 Chicago Rd., Chicago Heights, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home

530 W. 14th Street Lincoln Hwy. (Rt. 30), Chicago Heights, IL 60411

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