Douglas John Kroc

Douglas John Kroc, of West Dummerston, Vermont, died peacefully at home with his family by his side on Monday September 25, 2023, the smell of freshly cut grass coming through the open window.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Ann (Kohne) Kroc, his sister Robin Kroc and brother William Kroc, his daughter Ellen (Kroc) Zilcoski, son-in-law Adam Zilcoski and their 2 children: Cecilia (9) and Samuel (6), his daughter Andrea (Kroc) Ciombor, son-in-law Justin Ciombor and their 3 children: Mackenzie (9), Gavin (7), Hadley (4).  He was the son of Robert and Gladys (Earnshaw) Kroc. Doug was born in 1952, raised in Homewood, IL and graduated high school from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in 1970.  He graduated from Purdue University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education. He went on to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching from DePauw University in 1978.  Doug and Ann, who met at Purdue, moved to Vermont the same year, where they began building their home and community.

Doug spent over 40 years as an educator, teaching at the Brattleboro Area Middle School and finishing his career teaching social studies, coaching women’s basketball and as the Social Studies department head at Brattleboro Union High School.  He also served as president of the teachers’ union and was viewed as a leader throughout the school district. Through these roles he connected with countless students, educators and community members.

Doug’s passion was his family and he celebrated with them the most at Camp Kroc for Kids, the nickname he and Ann gave their property in Dummerston upon building "the bunkhouse” in 2021. Many fun days were spent at Camp Kroc and many more will follow. His other passions included making and listening to music, golfing, camping, biking, kayaking, fishing; all things he loved to do with his friends and family. He loved any excuse to do chores on his tractor or tinker with projects in his workshop.

Doug loved to travel and as a child often visited Torch Lake, MI to swim and boat, and Colorado to ski. In adulthood he traveled to England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Cuba, China and, most recently, Aruba to swim and snorkel with his entire family.  He visited many parts of the United States in his travels, but particularly loved New England. 

Doug felt a deep connection to everyone he worked with at Dana Farber, especially Dr. Alicia Morgans and his entire care team.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Dana Farber Cancer Institute (danafarber.jimmyfund.org).  Please also consider The United Way of Windham County (unitedwaywindhamcounty.org) or The Windham County Dental Center at 53 Fairview Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301, other organizations close to Doug’s heart. The family is planning a celebration of life in the spring.