Dr. John M. Croci

Dr. John M. Croci, age 68, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2015, surrounded by his wife of 45 years Susan and his sons Matthew and David. John was born on March 31, 1947 in Toledo to Leander and Rosemary Croci who have preceded him in death. He grew up in West Toledo, attending Gesu Elementary School before moving to St. Francis DeSales High School. During his time at SFS, John was Student Council President, an All-City football player and was presented the Salesian Award as a senior in 1965. He attended the University of Toledo where he was a member of Alpha Epsilon (Pre-Medical Honorary) from 1966-1969 and was President of AED in 1969. John graduated from UT in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree and enrolled in The Medical College of Ohio. As part of the charter class at MCO, he graduated with his medical degree in 1972 and soon after welcomed the birth of his son Matthew. John performed his Family Practice Residency at Akron City Hospital from 1972-1975. In 1974, his son David was born and John took over as Chief Resident of Family Practice residency for Akron City Hospital in 1975. Later in 1975, John went into private practice with Fallen Timbers Family Physicians as a founding member and stayed with the practice until he retired as its senior member in 2013. During his professional career, John was the Director of the Toledo Chapter of the American Cancer Society 1991-1994, President of the Toledo and Lucas County Family Practice Academy 1982-1983, District IV Director Ohio Association of Family Physicians 1981-1982, Team physician for Maumee High School 1976-1986, Member of American Academy of Family Physicians, Charter Member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and Diplomat of the American Academy of Family Practice 1975-2015. John’s St. Luke’s Hospital appointments are highlighted by being on active staff at St. Luke’s Hospital from 1975-2013, Chief of Staff 1996-1997, serving on the Board of Trustees from 1998-2001, Chairman of the Watson Open Committee 1980-2013 and being the 2014 winner of the Clair F. Martig Award given annually to an individual who has substantially contributed to the growth and prosperity of St. Luke’s Hospital. In addition, John chaired or served on every committee at St. Luke’s Hospital. John also left his mark on many other medical professionals through his teaching experience. He served as a Preceptor at The WW Knight Family Residency Program from 1976-1995, Clinical Associate Professor of Family Practice at MCO from 1978-2002 and as Preceptor for The Family Practice Residency at MCO 1977-2002. John was an active member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Also, in his spare time, John was a founding member of the Banzai ski club and the Gumba breakfast club. Some of his interests included traveling, boating, skiing, gardening, running/walking (2009 Boulder Boulder Marathon) and learning Italian. John also played the role of a home renaissance man, the family barber and a lover of all gadgets. While these hobbies and activities occupied time away from practicing medicine, his true passion was spending time with his family and friends. John affected his family, friends, colleagues and patients with his boundless energy, zest for life, genuine care for others and his willingness to go the extra mile for anyone that needed him. John is survived by his wife of 45 years Susan, sons Matthew and David, daughters-in-law Patrice and Katie, grandchildren Sophia, Cecilia, Alison, Cameron, Olivia and Drew, brothers Ronald (Jody) and Henry (Suzanne), many longtime Toledo friends, hundreds of committed medical colleagues and thousands of grateful patients. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2015, at Corpus Christi University Parish, 2955 Dorr Street, Toledo, Ohio. A funeral mass will also be held at Corpus Christi at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 25th, 2015. Refreshments will be served following the mass until 2:30PM. Memorial contributions can be made to Corpus Christi Catholic Student Association (CSA) or St. Francis DeSales High School.

Dr. John M. Croci

March 31, 1947 - April 12, 2015