After requesting to be released from the hospital to spend his last days with his family, Croatto died on April 3, 2005. His fellow former Haciendo Punto bandmates had staged a benefit concert for him the night before, which was filmed for later release on a DVD. As a gift from them, the production company provided a live audio feed to what would become Croatto's deathbed; it has been stated that Croatto smiled when the band requested a standing ovation to him, just before losing consciousness for the last time. His funeral was held at the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña (Institute of Puerto Rican Culture) and he was given a state funeral. Thousands of Puerto Ricans paid their respects and later accompanied the funeral procession en route to his burial in Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery located in Old San Juan.