Blase Croce, Sr.(Bill) 81, of Gibbstown, passed away July 7, 2009, after a prolonged illness. He is the beloved husband of Joan (nee Harvey), devoted father of Carolyn Morgey of Swedesboro, Lois Grant of Deptford, Blase Croce Jr. (Kathy) of Paulsboro, Alex Croce of Gibbstown, loving brother of Anna Montemore of Gibbstown and Theresa (John) Raymond of Florida, brother-in-law to Dora Croce of TN, and predeceased by sister Florence (Earl) O'Brien of Gibbstown and brother Alec Croce of TN. Also survived by 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Blase was a PHS graduate, retired from DuPont's, in Gibbstown, where he worked as an instrument mechanic and was a US Army Veteran serving during the Korean War. He spent many hours caring for the family farm, mowing with his brother-in-law Earl, and enjoyed growing fruits and vegetables in his garden. Among his many talents he helped build many family homes and there wasn't a motor, instrument or appliance that he couldn't fix. He especially enjoyed sitting on the porch with his family and friends and will be sadly missed.

A viewing will be on Saturday 8:30-10:00AM at the Landolfi Funeral Home of Paulsboro, 300 W. Broad St., followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30AM, at the St. Michael's Church, Memorial Ave., Gibbstown. Interment Eglington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, in Blase's memory, donations may be made to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105. To share condolences please visit www.landolfifuneralhome.com