CROATTI, John Anthony, passed away on March 19, 2022 at the age of 77. Born in Boston on March 21, 1944 to Gino and Rina (Irene) Gaviani Croatti. "Uncle Johnny" was born with Cerebral Palsy and Mental Retardation. He was expected to live 30-40 years, but far surpassed his anticipated life span. Despite being mentally and physically handicapped, John had a fulfilling life. John's parents kept him at home rather than putting him in a home, unusual for a handicapped child growing up in the 1950s. John enjoyed watching all of the Boston sports teams, but his favorite was the Red Sox. Uncle Johnny even went to a Red Sox spring training game in 2019 during a trip to Fort Myers and Walt Disney World. He enjoyed watching game shows and judge shows, his favorites being The Price is Right and Judge Judy, respectively. Johnny grew up in a musical family, as his Uncle Frank Gaviani was a famous accordion player and composer. John loved all kinds of music, especially easy listening. John's smile was contagious. He loved everyone and was a very kind soul. John is survived by his long-time caretaker and nephew, Doug Shohan, and his wife, Jamie. He also leaves a niece, Linda Newman and her husband, Tony and a nephew, Steven Shohan, and his family. He also leaves many great-nephews and nieces and many other people who loved him. John was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Jean Croatti-Shohan, as well as several uncles and aunts. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to visiting hours in the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre Street, WEST ROXBURY on Monday, April 4, 2022 from 12 – 1pm. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 1 o’clock. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. For directions and guestbook www.gormleyfuneral.com.