After a 5 and ½ year long and windy road traveled battling Parkinson’s, on April 25, 2023, the expected became the unexpected, and our backbone, George W. Crocker of Peabody, passed away, quietly in his bed, at the age of 85.

George was a family man that worked hard and put his family’s needs above his own every damn day. He loved quietly, but it was felt so damn deeply. It is amazing that his work consisted of physical labor yet in the end it was that strength that was robbed from him by stupid Parkinson’s. But it never, ever took his mind. He knew every schedule, every expiring registration, and just how much oil should be left in the tank so we could call for a refill.

Those that will continue to live in his memory include his wife of just shy of 50 years of marriage, Helen E (Quinn) Crocker; his remarkable daughter Julie Crocker-Wilson and her husband, who was his very dedicated son-in-law Rulfus Wilson of Peabody, along with their daughters, Janie and Jada, his absolute pride and joy; his forever babyboy George “Trooper” Crocker and his outstanding wife, Eleana Crocker of Newburyport, along with the wonderful blessing of their son Crew; his steadfast son Steven Wilson and his wonderful wife, Colline Wilson of Graham, North Carolina, along with their children, who first made him a Pop, Derek and Haley.

George was born in Everett, MA on November 30, 1937 and spent the early part of his life growing up in Revere with his mom and dad, George and Marie (Brown) Crocker and his two younger brothers Robert (Bob) and David, who affectionately referred to him as Sonny. George shared a close relationship with his brothers, their wives Rita (Bob) and Maria (David), and truly cherished their families.

He joined the Air Force and, after serving several years, received an honorable discharge as well as a good conduct medal. This comes as no surprise to those that knew him as such a quiet, humble man. He then went on to work at Patten Scaffolding as a forklift operator until his retirement.

His greatest accomplishments happened as he took on the role of Pop to his granddaughters, Janie and Jada. He called every morning to ask, ‘You up”, when he did not hear the patter of tiny feet running across the floor above his head. He packed lunches and started the car early so he be the first in line at school drop off. He cherished drop off and pick up. He helped with homework, studying for tests, and making sure their mama was fueled with coffee. He extended this olive branch to all those around him.

His love for his family was demonstrated every day. There were no grand gestures, but as the bookend to our family, he allowed us all to travel through life effortlessly. No matter the task, he was there, no questions asked, with open arms for every single one of us.

His grandest gestures were made toward his wife, Helen. From stopping at the bakery every Wednesday on pay day to buy her a fig square to making her breakfast and coffee every morning after he retired, his love for her was boundless.

A Celebration of Life for George will take place on Wednesday, May 3 at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. Visiting hours will be held from 4:00 PM until 5:30 PM, followed by a service at 5:30 PM. All family and friends are welcome. Come as you are. Pop was never a suit and tie guy; casual and comfortable is how he lived and how he should be celebrated.