George H.F. Croteau

George H. F. Croteau, 74, of Swampscott, died on March 13, 2026, at the Kaplan Hospice House, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born in Lynn, to the late George F. and Helen M. (Walsh) Croteau on June 21, 1951.

George was multi-talented, a true artist. He was known for his superior painting and wallpaper abilities, as well as an exceptional drummer, the heartbeat of all the bands he played in. His creations of his extensive electrified Christmas and Halloween villages that he set up every year, decorating the home he shared with Natalie for all the holidays, inside and outside.

George was well-known in the Fire community for restoring firefighters’ helmets to pristine conditions. He was an avid train enthusiast with the gift of painting model trains and his N scale layout of Boston. For many years George went to train shows with his son Jeremy who shared the interest of trains with him.

George enjoyed grilling for friends and family at the many outdoor gatherings. George had an incredible gift of storytelling and a quick, intelligent, and clever humor. Folks would gather around him to hear his stories. Favorite meal for the past several years was the French chicken recipe that Natalie prepared for him on a weekly basis. His greatest joys were spent with his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Natalie Gould, of thirty years George leaves behind;

Children; Jennifer Coolen (Dana), Heather Croteau Carver (John), Melissa Cannistraci (Pete), Michael Karamas (Molly), Jeremy Croteau.

Grandchildren: Hannah Ross, Scott and William Harney, Cassidy and Cooper Cannistraci, Nicholas Croteau, John Karamas.

Siblings: Denise Famico, (Chet) Jeanne Paolini, (David)

Nephews: Dominic Famico, Garrett and Grant Paolini

Cousins: Joe Croteau (Joanne), Dennis Croteau (Susan), and many other cousins.

Close Friends: Robert Fallis, JoJo and Rick Guilbault, Michael and Marsha Billias, Jim and Mary Mahoney, John and Carole Clement, Trigger and Phyllis Burke, Dorothea and Bob Cormier, Ric and Chris Keller. Ted Delano. And many, many more friends.

Funeral Services for George will be held at the Tabernacle Congregational Church, 50 Washington St, Salem, MA. on Saturday, March 21. A visiting hour will be held from 9-10am with the Funeral Service beginning at 10:00am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial will follow at Swampscott Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Care Dimensions. Please mail your donations, including for the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers and the Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, to Care Dimensions 75 Sylvan Street, B-102 Danvers, MA 01923. For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.MurphFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.