Richard Joseph Croker (82) of Marietta, GA, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 1:12AM, at Tranquility Hospice in Marietta, GA. The visitation will be held at Marietta Funeral Home (915 Piedmont Road Marietta, GA 30066) on Thursday, February 8, 2024, from 6-8PM. The burial and funeral service will be held at Georgia National Cemetery (1080 Scott Hudgens Drive Canton, GA 30114) on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 1-1:30PM.

Richard J. Croker was born on January 18, 1942, in Bellport, Long Island, New York, to Albert and Shirley (Bieselin) Croker.

Richard graduated from the University of Georgia-Athens with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering. In 1972, he left active duty after three tours of Vietnam with the rank of Captain in the Air Force. Rick's master's degree was through the Air War College. Later, he retired from the Air Force Reserves as Colonel Richard Croker. As a second career, he worked in the pulp and paper industry as well as with TAPPI.

Rick married Delores Malcolm on January 3, 1965, in Covington, GA. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, teaching others, scuba diving, and traveling the world with the pulp and paper industry. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Delores; daughter, Christina Noelle (Pier) LiVolsi; granddaughter, Catlyn LiVolsi (Brandon) Hanabarger; siblings: Carol Alabanza, Ron (Rene) Croker, and Edwin (Bridgett) Jaffe; nieces and nephews: Leslie Tokunaga, Eric (Martha) Alabanza, Rena (Tom) Dionne, Russell (Sarah) Croker, Rob Jaffe, Catie Jaffe, Troy (Ira) Arnold, Thomas (Julie) Malcolm, and Laura (Mike) Finley.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Aaron Croker.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Alzheimer's Organization .