WATERVILLE – Michael “Mike” Crotto, 73, of 1 Furn Drive, passed away peacefully, April 26, 2024 at his home after a long period of decline.

He was born in Portsmouth, N.H. on May 16, 1950, the son of Owen Crotto and Pauline Lawrence.

Michael attended schools in the Portsmouth area and was a member of the class of 1968. Michael’s grandfather, “Papa” Lawrence, was influential in his life teaching him the automotive trade. Michael was a master mechanic working over many decades in several locations in the Seacoast area. He opened D&M Auto in 1981 and then D&M Mobil in 1983, which he and his wife owned until 2009.

Michael realized his lifelong dream of owning and racing a lobster boat when he and his wife moved to Jonesport. He restored and raced the Liza Jane, winning several trophies in his class at the Annual Jonesport Lobster Boat Races in Jonesport. He opened and operated another automotive repair shop, MDC Auto, where he serviced and repaired whatever came into the shop: vehicles of any kind, tractors, motorcycles, lawnmowers, and lobster boats. Lobster feeds in Jonesport brought him joy as he served family and friends with great pleasure.

He was predeceased by his mother, Pauline Lawrence; his brother, Randy Crotto; and stepson, Chris Daley.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 41 years, Elizabeth “Bett” Daley of Waterville; his daughters Faye Grogan and husband, Scott of Missouri City, Texas, Rebecca Crotto of Dover, N.H., a son, Mike Daley-Crotto and his wife Lauren Sullivan of Bow, N.H., stepdaughter, Heather Madore and husband, George of Newmarket, N.H.; four sisters, Kathaleen Dufton of Newington, N.H., Jaylee Cohen of Loudon, N.H., Christie Hussey of Somersworth, N.H., Michelle Perrault-Bennett of Milford, N.H.; nine grandchildren, John, Maggie, Ronan, Finnegan, Gabrielle, Genevieve, Amelia, Liam, and Isla; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends and family are invited to Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta, Saturday, June 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. immediately following.

The family wishes to thank Dartmouth Geriatrics as well as Maine General Hospice and Homecare and staff for their excellent care. A very special thank you to the Waterville Fire Department and EMTs.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers,

memorial contributions may be made to the

Good Shepherd Food Bank

3121 Hotel Rd.

Auburn, ME 04210

Copy the Story Link