Harold (Herky) F. Croft, 77, of Oak Bluffs died March 2 after a brief stay at Kindred Healthcare in Stoughton.

He was born in West Falmouth on August 24, 1929, the son of Charles and Anna Croft.

He attended Falmouth schools and was a member of the first graduating class of Lawrence High School. He was an avid baseball player for Lawrence High School and continued a life-long love of the game.

Harold proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1952. His tour of duty took him to Italy and France.

Harold was an accomplished carpenter. For many years, he lived in East Falmouth raising a family. He later moved to Vineyard Haven where he continued to work as a carpenter. After retiring as a carpenter, he worked for Hinckley Lumber and Hardware in Vineyard Haven.

Known to friends and family as Herky, Harold was a ham radio operator; he loved fishing, birdwatching and gardening. Harold enjoyed cooking up his wonderful homemade clam chowder and stuffed quahogs for summer gatherings. He loved life on the Island.

Survivors include his eight children, Jocelyn Croft of Greenfield, Harold E. Croft of Sandwich, Clifford Croft of Fitzwilliam, N.H., Patrick Croft of Falmouth, Theodore Croft of Cotuit, Gretchen Lockwood of Falmouth, Jonathan Croft of East Falmouth and Rebecca Drummey of Mashpee; his former wife, Gail Croft; 15 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his brother, Donald.

During his latter years, Harold lived contentedly at Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Oak Bluffs, where he received kind care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Harold's name be made to Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, P.O. Box 1747, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.

Services for Harold will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at the West Falmouth United Methodist Church. Interment will take place at the National Cemetery in Bourne at 10 a.m. March 19. Arrangements for the Vineyard services are incomplete.