Vincenzo “Vince” Louis Croce

VINCENZO “VINCE” LOUIS CROCE, 85, of Follansbee, WV died peacefully on Monday, December 25, 2023, at Heritage Valley Health in Beaver, PA. He was born on June 5, 1938, in Follansbee, WV, a son of the late Gaetano and Dorothy Rita (D’Aurora) Croce. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one son, Jeffrey Sabo; three brothers, Dominic Lawrence, Nicholas Edward, and Gaetano Pasquale Croce. Vince graduated from Follansbee High School and after proudly served his country in the Army and was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church as well as an usher for many years. He retired from Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Corporation where he worked as a foreman in the coal strip. Vince also had a 35year career in law enforcement having worked as a Brooke County Sheriff’s Deputy for four years then becoming a patrolman with the city of Follansbee eventually becoming the Chief of Police. Vince enjoyed working the Brooke High School Football games working on the chain gang. He held many memberships in the Follansbee Volunteer Fire Department, Garibaldi Lodge, the Cedar Lodge, the Theta Chi Alpha Fraternity, and a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Follansbee Chapter. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Judith (Freese) Croce at home; his children, Joi Lynn (Greg) Caniff of Colliers, WV, and Vincenzo Croce, II. of Aliquippa, PA; four grandchildren, Vincenzo Louis, III, Jeffrey Alan, Spenser Michael, and Alyssah Leigh Croce; and several nieces, nephews, cousins. There was no visitation. A private Funeral Liturgy of the Word was held on Thursday, December 28, 2023, with the Rev. Father Justin Golna officiating. Interment followed at St. John Haven of Rest Cemetery, Colliers. Full military honors were conducted by the Ohio Valley Veterans Memorial Squad and the United States Army. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to www.mullenbachfh.com.