January 7, 2021
Bruce Gilbert Crofts
Bruce Gilbert Crofts age 79. Bruce died of natural causes (Not related to Covid 19) peacefully at home on Thursday, 1/7/2020 at his home in Quincy, MA with longtime friend and companion Halina Szady at his side.
A celebration of life will be conducted at a later point when conditions allow. He will be cremated, and his ashes will be spread in a place most special to him and his family, in a private ceremony.
Bruce was born in Quincy, MA on December 17, 1941 to Gilbert and Helene Crofts, longtime residents of Quincy, MA. Gilbert was the director of the Quincy YMCA retiring in the mid-70s and Helene was a Librarian at the Quincy Public Library.
Bruce was raised in Wollaston and graduated from North Quincy High School in 1959. He enjoyed playing football as a North Quincy Red Raider kicker, punter and offensive tackle. He graduated from Springfield College in 1963 when he started his career in the YMCA in Bethlehem, PA and later moving to Norwalk, CT. Bruce later worked as a travel guide through Europe and South America for a period then returning and become a bus driver with the Brockton Area Transit (BAT). In the late 80s he started a boat maintenance company called Ship Shape. In the 30 years of Ship Shape he was able to serve hundreds of customers (friends) between Boston and Cape Cod with traveling marine services. During the winters once the shrink wrapping was done, he resided in Naples, FL teaching children swimming lessons at a large retirement resort. One of the things he was most proud of was being able to work with and employ several family members and friends through the years. Most recently his grandchildren were working with him and Halina which he was very proud of and thankful for. He managed to pay them disproportionately every chance he had.
Bruce was known as a fun-loving and friendly free spirit who enjoyed speaking with people from all walks of life. He loved planning Happy Hours, and dancing to Bruno Mars music on Naushon Island with his sister, daughter, daughter in law and grandchildren. He was a dreamer and was always planning trips to see his family in Asheville, NC or to Naushon Island, as getting the family together was always on the forefront of his mind.
Bethany Church in Quincy, MA was a big part of Bruce’s life as a congregation member, a youth group member and a custodian. He and the entire Crofts family are thankful to the Bethany family for their ongoing support.
Bruce is survived by, his longtime friend and companion Halina Szady of Quincy, MA. His sister Cynthia Crofts-Wisch and husband Jeff of Wellesley, MA, nephew Eric Wisch and wife Liz of Lexington, MA and nephew Alex Wisch of Medford, MA. His daughter Heather Boyhan and husband Chris of Asheville, NC and soon to be 4 grandchildren, Ben, Luke, Boston Rose and Baby Boyhan (due in April 2021). His son Jason Crofts of Hopedale, MA. His son Scott Crofts and wife Theresa of Medfield, MA and 3 grandchildren Sarah, Abby and Nicholas. His longtime friends Cynthia Knight of Sharon, MA and Carol Leach of Middleborough, MA.
In lieu of flowers and donations, we ask that you instead go out of your way to do something nice for someone around you, whether they deserve it or not, without looking for attention or recognition. Matthew 6:1-4
Bruce wanted to see this country heal and this would bring him great pleasure.