Paul G. “Truck” Croteau

Paul G. “Truck” Croteau, 71, of Mattapoisett, died Thursday July 22, 2021 in comfort and care.

            Born in New Bedford, the son of Normand Croteau and Pauline (Gaudette) Croteau, Paul was a proud father, a friend, a long-time musician and passionate horticulturalist. He spent most of his days caring for his native garden in Fairhaven and spending time with his grandchildren and family. “Papa” was a loving grandfather who shared his enthusiasm for nature with his grandchildren. Paul often loved to sit at the Mattapoisett Bogs and the Landing where his keen eye for photography resulted in countless pictures of wildlife, particularly native and migratory birds. Having spent many years as caretaker of the Kinsale Inn/The Inn at Shipyard Park, Paul enjoyed his summer mornings sharing coffee on the porch with his dear friends while greeting passersby.

            A prominent figure in the tradition folk and Irish music scene, Paul was a self-taught bouzouki, guitar and mandolin player and gifted singer. Whether performing professionally or playing tunes amongst friends at a traditional music session, Paul was at his happiest while playing music.

            Paul was dedicated to the resurgence of traditional English and Irish music and he was a founding member of Clanjamfrey based at Folk Legacy in Recording Studio in Connecticut. Later, he became the musical director and vocalist for the traditional acapella group, Calaban, which appeared at many local venues and festivals, including Eisteddfod at UMass Dartmouth as well as with the New England Conservatory of Music Chamber Singers at Jordan Hall. Paul was a familiar face to anyone at Tryworks of New Bedford. These are only a few of the many contributions to Traditional Music in New England that Paul’s family and friends remember fondly and of which he was very proud.

            Survivors include his long-time partner and friend, Susan York; his children, Lauren Croteau, Rachel Campbell and Daniel Croteau; his brothers, Bernard, Raymond and Michael Croteau; his sisters, Louise Desroches, Simone Benac, Denise Satur, Maggie Ashley and Michelle Torres; his grandchildren, Lucy and Elliot Campbell; and his many nieces and nephews.

            He is predeceased by his sister, Janine Croteau.

            His services will be private and he will be buried at Riverside Cemetery in Fairhaven. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.