Joseph "JP" Perry Croskey

Joseph P. Croskey, JP, age 90, of Melbourne, FL, by way of Ocala, passed away peacefully, following a fearless battle with pulmonary fibrosis on February 17th, 2026, in his home surrounded by his family. He was born on February 24, 1936, the youngest of five children, to the late Van and Henrietta Croskey. He was preceded in peaceful rest by his siblings, Mariah, Helen, Timothy, and Randolph. Joseph was a 1954 graduate of Howard High School. He joined the US Air Force, following in his father's footsteps, who served valiantly in the military. He retired from the Air Force after 20 years. Then he attended Sangamon State University. He continued his work as a civil servant for the USAF until his well-deserved retirement. He married his love, JoAnn Braddock, on August 7, 1961. They traveled the world in joy and wonder until she passed in 1997. A member of the 05 Rantoul group, he lived in Rantoul, IL, and entertained many friends from around the world. Joseph loved visiting with people and making friends around the world. His friends were like family, aka famiends. From Thailand, to Korea, to Turkey and more, he was a loyal famiend to many, often calling, visiting, and making virtual visits a regular part of his days. He was an avid pinochle player, known as the pinochle King to those at the American Legion or on Pinogonewild and Wildzone where he played regularly with lifelong friends and competitors. Proudly, he was ranked #1 before his illness prevented him from defending his hard-earned title. JP loved making delicious baked goods and cooking regularly. It was not unusual for famiends to find a surprise baked good in their mailbox; His love language was gifts. JP, Papa Joe, Dad survived several health setbacks in recent years, but he always found a way to recover so” his feet could hit the floor.” A member of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Melbourne, Joseph was a dedicated husband and father, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering love and quiet strength. Joseph and JoAnn had one son, Joseph. Joseph shared an extraordinary bond with his son, his constant companion and steady support. Nothing brought him greater pride or deeper love than his son. Joseph is survived by his loving son, Joseph Croskey of PA, and his wife Kathleen Ellwood; three step-children, Kenneth Rudolph of PA, Jennifer Murray of CA, and Elizabeth Murray and her wife, Natalie, of PA, granddaughters, Kenya, Kentanesha, Kenzalee, and Savana; and his late grandson, Kenneth. The family wants to recognize and send their deepest gratitude to the VA and Hospice support nurse teams, caregivers, countless family and friends, and most importantly, Joseph’s live-in caregiver, Sandra, who have compassionately supported Joseph during his long-fought battle. Buggs Funeral Home in Melbourne has the distinct honor of serving the family. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Melbourne (50 West Strawbridge Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901), with The Rev. Tom Phillips presiding. Private interment will follow at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or other donations, please contribute to the wonderful educational efforts in Tanzania by Joseph Sekiku of FADECO & Juma Masisi of WOMEDA. Use this link https://gofund.me/92dec01a1