James Crotty

Rossville resident James F. Crotty, 90, a retired U.S. Postal Service letter carrier and the loving patriarch of three generations of family, died Monday in Clove Lakes Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, Castleton Corners.

He was born in Brooklyn and graduated from St. Leonard's Academy in his native borough. He moved to Rossville 30 years ago.


A World War II veteran, Mr. Crotty served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946, seeing duty in Europe. He attained the rank of sergeant.

He was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Brooklyn for 30 years, until retiring in 1973, and was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

Mr. Crotty loved to read the Staten Island Advance. He couldn't resist a lively debate, family said. And he was absolutely dedicated to his family.

"He was an extremely devoted grandfather,' said his granddaughter, Erin Sheeler.

Also surviving Mr. Crotty are his wife of 62 years, the former Margaret Carney; his daughters, Patricia Sattler, Helena Crotty and Maureen O'Brien; three more grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

The funeral will be Wednesday from the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville, with a mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Rossville. Burial will follow in Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale.

Services: St. Joseph's RC Church Wednesday, April 16, 2014 10:30AM

Visitation: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Tuesday, April 15, 2014 2-4 & 7-9PM

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions in James' name to A Very Special Place or Meals on Wheels, Staten Island, would be appreciated.

Cemetery: Long Island National Cemetery

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: St. Joseph's RC Church-Rossville