Richard "Dick" Crooke

Richard "Dick" Kenneth Crooke , 64 of Ashford died on Saturday ,February 19, 2005. He was born September 2, 1940 in Hartford, CT. the oldest son of the late Merton E. and Barbara (Spenkoch) Crooke. Dick was a graduate of Monson Academy ('58) and the University of Connecticut ('62). He was also a U.S. Army veteran ('62 '69). Dick, along with his wife Elaine, owned and operated Crooke Orchards for 39 years. There he discovered the now patented Miracle Mac apple. He was a former member and treasurer of the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department, member of the CT. Pomological Society and past secretary treasurer of the Quinebaug Valley Fruit Growers. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Elaine (Wheeler), son and daughter-in-law Steven and Kristin of South Windsor; brother and his wife, Kenneth and Jane of Willington; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Cynthia and Dennis Raymond and Robert and Kristin Wheeler all of Franklin along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 PM on Wednesday February 23rd at the Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic. A memorial service will be held on Thursday February 24th at 2 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Plains Cemetery, Franklin. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4261, Pittsfield, MA 01202 or www.leukemia-lymphoma.org . Please visit at www.potterfh.com for online memorial guestbook and directions.