Obituary of Thomas Bernard Croke III

Mass of Chrisitian Burial on Monday, October 14th at 10am at All Saints Church (2559 S. Federal Blvd, Denver, CO). Reception to follow at All Saints, then graveside at Mount Olivet Cemetery at 2pm.

Mass will be live streamed by All Saints: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zp7JEwnk0k

Obituary for Thomas Bernard Croke III

June 19, 1942 ~ October 7, 2024

                                                       Devoted Family Man, Business Leader, and Lifelong Servant to His Church and Community

Thomas Bernard Croke III, known to many as Buzz or Tom, passed away peacefully on October 7, leaving a rich legacy of love, hard work, and dedication. A man of many talents, Tom was known for his work ethic, deep faith, and unwavering commitment to his family and community.  His life was a testament to integrity, service, and kindness.

Born in Denver, Colorado, to Thomas Bernard Croke II and Emma Kersten Croke, Tom grew up in Denver with his siblings Michael Vincent (Mike), Patrick August (Pat), and Mary Teresa (Terrye). Tom worked alongside his brother Mike on the family farm, where he first learned the meaning of hard work and responsibility, qualities that would carry him through a lifetime of achievements.

Tom first attended Regis College before transferring to the University of Colorado in Boulder, where he met and married Cynthia (Cyndy) Powers. Together, they had three children: Ariel Brady, Thomas Bernard Croke IV, and Kelley Brenninger, all born in Santa Barbara, California. It was here that Tom’s leadership skills were first recognized, as he became one of the youngest branch managers for Bank of America.

Tom later married Laura Croke, with whom he built a lifelong partnership, both personally and professionally. Together, they established a successful construction business in Tacoma, Washington, before expanding into commodity trading and later energy exploration in and around Greeley, Colorado. Their teamwork and shared vision defined their success. They eventually retired to Lahaina, Hawaii, where they enjoyed the fruits of their hard work and continued their devotion to family, community, and giving.

As a dedicated father, Tom found incredible pride in his children and grandchildren. He welcomed his children’s spouses—John Brady, Terra Croke, and Hansi Brenninger—into the family with love and warmth. His grandchildren—Haley Croke, Tyler Croke, Carter Croke, Emily Brenninger, and Max Brenninger—were a source of boundless joy, and Tom relished every moment spent with them. Tom was also very close to his beloved nieces and nephews:  Stephanie Frisselle, Burt Frisselle, Brian Frisselle, and Michelle Croke.

Tom’s faith was central to his life. This part of his journey began during childhood when he served as an altar boy at Blessed Sacrament Parish. When he moved to Tacoma, he became a member of Holy Cross Church, where he served on the church council, always working to make his church a welcoming place for all. During his time in Greeley, Tom met and supported Monsignor Peter Quang Nguyen and later assisted the clergy in Maui, including Fr. Joseph and Fr. Kuriakose. Tom was a beloved figure at the Sacred Hearts Mission in Kapalua and the Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in Lahaina where he was known for his kindness and dedication, from assisting with sacraments to caring for the church’s stray cats.

Tom was a man of quiet generosity. His acts of kindness were numerous, though often done without fanfare. Tom made it his mission to help others. His support extended to charitable causes, locally and globally, reflecting the breadth of his compassion.

He was preceded in death by his wife Laura, his parents Tom and Emma, son-in-law Hansi, his niece Michelle, and many Aunts and Uncles. Tom leaves behind a family that adored him. His three children survive him, their spouses John and Terra, and all his grandchildren. He also leaves behind his siblings Mike (wife Romana), Pat (wife Donna), and Terrye (husband Brad).

Thomas Bernard Croke III will be remembered for his steadfast faith, dedication to family, huge heart full of kindness and generosity, along with a lifelong commitment to serving others. His legacy is one of love, generosity, and quiet strength, a life well-lived that will continue to inspire all who knew him.