William John Croce
August 14, 1970 - September 12, 2012

"Remembering you today, Billy. Hard to believe it's been two years already. We will meet again someday, my transplant brother!"

"Remembering you today, Billy. Hard to believe it's been two years already. We will me again someday, my transplant brother!"

"Can you please tell the family we found Billy's balloon in Clinton WI. The contact information was blurred. We pray you all are doing well. It was in our corn field :)"

"I am sorry to hear of the loss of Billy. Your family has endured so much heartache. May God be with all of you at this trying time."

"Mom now sees the made an error in the first date entry. It should be August 7, 1989"

"As my deceased co-worker often said, "We often are recipents of "God Things" in our life. Sometimes we recognize them & sometimes we miss them until we rethink the situation." A "God Thing" happened to two families 33 years ago September 7, 1989. Two families had three boys w/life threatening kidney problems. On that day in the Sioux City area another 10 year old boy was playing Evel Kinavel w/his bicycle on a home made jump ramp in his paved home driveway. A miscue of some kind happened and he fell to his death. In the midst of a horrible family tragedy, his family was asked and had the where with all to accept the donation of his organs. The other two families were contacted by IC and told there was now two kidneys available for their sons. What a wonderful "God Thing" was presented to all of these families. These boys grew into young men who were able to contribute so many things to their families, friends, and the world. Even though close personal friendships were not established with these families, a forever bond was. Thank you God for the blessings you gave us all on August 7, 1989. "

"I am sorry to say I never got a chance to meet Billy. I was looking forward to meeting him at Sarah and Moe's wedding in October. I know he meant the world to Moe, Sarah, and the rest of the family. I always heard great things about him and how brave he was. God Bless him and the family. Love, Bob and Roseann"

"Croce Family- I'm very sorry for your loss and am very glad that I got to know Bill (especially in San Fransico)! He was a very sweet man and my prayers are with your family at this time!"

"Khristy and family, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. "

"Croce family - words are not enough right now to express how saddened I am to hear about Billy's passing. I was fortunate to have been in school with both Billy and Keith. I specifically remember sharing a dance or two with Billy in both junior high and high school. I'm sure he is dancing still. Peace to the family at this time of loss knowing Billy is at peace. "

"Khristy i am truly sorry to hear of Billy's passing . "

"Kristy and Jay and family, so sorry to read about your brother. My thoughs, sympathies, and prayers are with you all. My God hold all of you in the palm of hand during your sorrow, Gods loving arms are surrounding you all. Treasure the memories."

"August 14, 1970 was a pretty good day. I was born at the Jackson county hospital in the same room as "lil" Bill Croce. Played just about every sport you can think of together....mostly unorganized. I will never forget the biggest shot in my basketball career was made by Bill at the end of a game in Maquoketa. Perfect form, perfect spot, behind the backboard!!! It couldn't have been more perfect...straight through the net. The crown erupted and I don't think you could have found a happier person in the world! Bill and I had many great times and I will never forget them. RIP lil Bill."

"Bill, As we talked about the boys the other day, as they both lived longer than the doctors said they would. As you and Darlis gave so much love and caring to them. Take care and god bless you and your family."

"You were always fun to hang with may you rest in peace cuz"

"May you rest in peace Billy and your family find comfort and support at this trying time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

"rest in peace "

"Billy would do anything for anyone, he always look after his good friends and was always there for them no matter what. Mike is going to be lost without his buddy, you have no idea how much we will miss you. I still wait for the two knocks on the door and mike opening it and saying your favorit nick name. We are thinking of the whole family, and were here for all of you."

"I was SO sad for the family and friends of Billy to hear this news. Many (((((((hugs)))))) to you all. What an inspirational man!!!"

"Billy was a great guy...always remember his smile. Him and Keith was always happy. I went to school with Keith but Billy was always around. May the Croce family find peace knowing his is watching over them now with his brother. God Bless"

"My thoughts and prayers are with all of you."

"So sorry to hear about Billy. I lived in the same neighborhood as Billy. We played many baseball games in their yard. I also worked with Billy videotaping the varsity basketball games when we were in Junior High. So many memories."

"I'm sorry for you loss."

"So sorry to lose another member of our Cystinosis family. We sat with your family at our first CFN conference and was so grateful for blazing a trail for all the younger children dealing with this horrible disease. Thank you, you will be missed. "

"Bill, We are sorry to hear of Billy's passing. You were an incredible source of support and strength to your son. You are in our prayers"

"The Reuters send their love & support for the Croce family. Billy will be missed. He & his brother Keith were indeed an inspiration to the younger members of our Cystinosis family. May your memories bring you comfort."

"oh billy you will be missed ,i went to school with billy from k-12 grade and have alot of great memories with him,he was a great friend.my thoughts and prayers are with the croce family."

"I went to school with Billy and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Him and his brother were both very postive and always had a smile, even when things were tough for them. So sorry for your lose."

"My heart is so heavy for your family. I enjoyed talking to Billy at cystinosis conferences over the years, especially at the last one in San Francisco. My prayers are with you. God bless."

"I will always remember Billy and his dear brother Keith as two of the most courageous and optimistic guys I ever met... A great example to all. God Bless and Rest in Peace."

"Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. We remember seeing Billy at many Cystinosis conferences over the years. He will be missed."

"Thinking of you at this time, and remembering the good times shared."

"heaven gained an angel. we will always remember you. "

"Words just aren't adequate.our prayers are with you. My boys really looked up to both Billy and Keith. Gabe called Billy a really cool guy. God's peace and comfort."

"Bill and Khristy, I am very sorry to hear about Billy. I have found memories of both of the boys while we were in high school. I always enjoyed visiting with him while Darlis was bowling and catching up. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. "

"Billy, you and I will always be connected because of August 7, 1979. See you in Heaven someday."

"RIP Bill........Coach Ward"

"We were so sorry to hear about William ("Billy"). We didn't know him well, having only seen him a few times, but he seemed like such a nice young man with a big smile for everyone. Our sympathy, love and hugs to all of the family."

"I was really sorry to hear of Billy's death. you are in my prayers. The Bible shows we will see our loved ones again. It is a guarantee. With Love, Kathy True"

"Rest in peace, Billy!"

"Sending thoughts and prayers to the Croce family and to all of Billy's friends. He was a wonderful person. We are so glad we had the opportunity to know him. He holds a special place in the hearts of many. R.I.P BILLY"

"I hope you can take some small comfort in your loss to know that Billy touched many, many people. He was always ready to smile, and crack a joke. His strength, courage, humility and compassion were a great inspiration to many. I know I count myself as being blessed to have had the privilege of knowing him, and of being his friend. He is loved and will be missed."

"I will always think of you guys as family! Mikaela and Billy shared a disease, but more than that we shared a closeness that only a family can. My heart goes out to you all as you lay young Billy to rest. My heart burst wide open yesterday as I heard the news first of his being hospitalize then later of his passing. Bill and Kristy, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Billy had a way of making you think he could conquer the world. I think he learned that from Keith and of course you, Bill and Darlis. He will be missed and we just want you to know we are here if you need anything. We love you all!"

"He was one of the best people and friend anybody could ask for! He will forever be in our hearts! R.I.P. Billy! Love and miss ya!"

"My thoughts and prayers are with Billy's family."

"I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a great guy. Always had a smile for everyone and always a great sense of humor. He will be missed."

"Sorry for the Croce's families loss. Went to school with Bill. We had many good times. He will be missed."

"We enjoyed caring for Billy and will miss him around here. We are so sorry for your loss, Bill. Please keep in touch."

"billy was a great guy, i had many fun times hanging out with him"

"Sorry for the Croce's families loss, Dupont/Danisco personel send our condolences."

"You could always count on him for a smile and a hand wave when ever you passed him "

"So sorry for this families loss.. he was a great outgoing funny wonderful person... god got a great person beside him now.. god bless the Croce family. "

"So sorry for this families loss.. he was a great outgoing funny wonderful person... god got a great person beside him now.. god bless the Croce family. "

"Our heartfelt sympathy on your losses Bill and Chris. You have had a hard road to travel. May the love and happy memories be with you to ease the pain."

"Croce Famiy, I am so sorry for your loss. Billy was a sweet caring person and he will be greatly missed..You are in my thoughts and prayers ... Connie Fields Karpinske "

"When we 1st moved to Maquoketa we lived right next door and was over there constantly. We all enjoyed jumping on the trampoline and just having good innocent fun. The family has had so many losses I pray Chris and her father have the strength and our thoughts are with you."

"Deepest Sympathy to the family. "

"So very sorry for your loss."

"So sad to know that Billy has left this world. He was known and loved by many. Some comfort can be found in knowing he has his brother waiting in heaven to greet him and can now rest in the arms of his loving mother. R.I.P. Billy....you will be missed!"

"Billy was a great friend, so glad I got to meet him 16n months ago... "

"Maquoketa Cardinal Basketball Legend. Proud to have shared the court with him."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family."

"I didnt really know Billy , my son matt did and I know matts heart is heavy tonight . My thoughts and prayers for all of Billys family and friends. I hear he had so many friends/"

"Bill, I have known you and your brother Kieth for my whole life! I can't even describe how to even feel right now! You and Kieth were great dudes and now you will be serving the Lord up in heaven! R.I.P. cousin Bill."

"So sorry to hear if Bill's passing. "

"so sad ...sorry for your loss "

"Billy and I worked together at Pizza Hut for a short time as well as went to school together, he was a crack up, you will be missed bud.."

"Bill, Keith and I grew up right around the corner from each other. I have a lot of great memories of him, he was a very sweet, caring person. He will be missed."

"So Sorry to hear of Billy's passing....We lived on the same street "Grove Street"....Good Memories growing up with the Croce Boys! Billy, You will be Missed....Thinking of your Family"

"I went to school with Billy from Cardinal to High Scool. He had an amazingly positive outlook on life. I will miss him."

"He was a great guy in school and will be dearly missed! Our prayers and thoughts are with you."