Michael Joseph Crocco, Sr., 70, of Hyde Park, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2020 at home with his loving family by his side. His passing leaves a hole in the lives of those who knew and loved him. He leaves behind his wife of nearly 50 years, Enga Ross Crocco of Hyde Park, son Toby Crocco and wife Stacey of Hyde Park, son Michael Joseph Crocco, Jr. and partner Janine Galli of Millbrook along with six grandchildren, Cassidy, Caden, Bailee, Calvin, Carmela and Liliana.  He adored his grandchildren and they adored their Poppy. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins all who loved him dearly. His family meant the world to him. He was predeceased by his parents, Alfred G. Crocco and Jean Marie Marello Crocco, his brothers Alfred D. Crocco and Anthony P. Crocco and sisters Theresa I. Crocco (infant) and Joann M. Crocco.

Michael led a good life and had a peaceful death but the transition was a fight. He was clear-eyed about death, torn between leaving his wife, sons and grandchildren but content that the legacy he created would continue on through them.  And for the record, he did not lose his battle with cancer. When he died, the cancer died, so technically it was a tie.

A proud son of Poughkeepsie, Michael attended city schools and was a 1968 graduate of Poughkeepsie High School. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps serving his country proudly fighting the WAR in Viet Nam. He would never refer to 'Nam as a "conflict".

Michael spent 36 years working for the railroad, first with New York Central and then Metro North on the Hudson Line mostly at the Croton-Harmon station Maintenance Shop where he spent a career that spawned a thousand stories that became lore told a thousand times over.

Michael loved the game of baseball. He played baseball throughout his youth and then slow and fast pitch softball as an adult where many a summer day and night were spent on a ballfield. He truly loved the game and the camaraderie of a team.

In retirement he loved golfing, fishing, traveling with his beloved Enga, rooting on the New York Yankees, spending time with those he loved and talking to anyone, anywhere, anytime. There wasn't a place, on God's green earth, he could go where he didn't bump into someone he knew or make a new friend before he left. He liked to shoot the shit.

He was a lifetime member and former quartermaster of the Vail-Wolff, McKenna-Frye V.F.W. Post 170, the American Legion and the DAV (Disabled American Veterans).

In remembrance of him, please go spend time with your loved ones and tell them that you love them, help someone in need, fart in a supermarket aisle and blame it on your kid, tell a dirty joke and laugh heartily or just be an all-around badass. Courage and humor at unlikely moments were crucial to his inimitable personality.

Per his request, cremation will take place. No services will be held at this time. A memorial to honor him will be held at a later date. To leave an expression of sympathy please visit: www.darrowfuneralhome.org

If you would like to make a donation in honor of him please consider a donation to any of the following:

Hudson Valley Hospice: www.hvhospice.org

Wounded Warrior Project: www.support.woundedwarriorproject.com

V.F.W. Vail-Wolff, McKenna-Frye Post 170, 1 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 12601