After 87 years of a life well lived, Master Chief Leo Clayton Croteau of Port St. Lucie, FL passed away on February 7, 2026.

Born in Springfield, MA to Leo Sr. and Evelyn, Leo was raised in East Longmeadow, MA with his four sisters. He joined the U.S. NAVY at the age of 17 and began a 30 year career of service that included deployments on seven different ships.

He married Barbara Ann Zaorski (Bobbi) on October 2, 1965 and they set out on their married life together as a NAVY family. In addition to his life out at sea, Leo led pilot survival training in Pensacola, FL and trained new recruits in Orlando. He proudly earned the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer (the highest of any enlisted rank) while on the USS Seattle. One accomplishment he would often refer to was his time in an exchange program with the Italian Navy which included an immersive learning program at the Defense Language Institution. Leo's last duty was as Command Master Chief at the Surface Warfare Officers School Command in Newport, RI. He was one of the first enlisted men to earn the Surface Warfare Specialist.

Not long after retiring from the service, Leo earned his doctorate in education. It was clear from his path that teaching others was a passion of his. After the NAVY, he had a second career in the nuclear power industry, leading other managers in quality training programs. He worked with Bellevue University in Nebraska to develop a program that helped nuclear power employees obtain higher education by translating their years of real life work experience into degrees.

He was a beloved husband, father, Jaju, mentor and friend. Those who knew Leo would learn almost immediately that he thoroughly enjoyed a round of golf, a good cigar and a ride in a sports car to and from the course. He was also a voracious reader. Mostly, though, Leo enjoyed time with his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Bobbi, his son Curt and daughter-in-law Rachel, his daughter Heather and his pride and joy: his grandson Jake.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Tunnels to Towers or Wounded Warriors.