Richard H. Cronk

August 23, 1923 - January 22, 2013

Obituary For Richard H. Cronk

Richard Hamilton Ã¢â?¬Å?DickÃ¢â?¬Â? Cronk Sr., 89, died on January 22, of natural causes with his family around him at home in Arbor-Oakridge 10820 Sandy Oak Lane Raleigh, NC. Dick was born at Kaiser Beach on Oneida Lake, NY to the late Walter and Ethel Adams Cronk. He was pre-deceased by his brother Robert and sister Margaret C. Smith of Canastota NY. He served his country in the United States Army, in the 25th Infantry, of the Tropic Lightening Division in the Philippines during WW II. He was awarded the Ernie Pyle Medal for his service. Dick attended Canastota High School and excelled in Football as well as Track and Field, where he held the Canastota Pole Vaulting record for over 40 years. Upon the completion of WW II Dick graduated from Ithaca College and in the summer of 1948 met his future wife Barbara Price. They settled in Oneida where Dick was a member of the Elks, a Chief of OneidaÃ¢â?¬â?¢s Tribe, a perennial booster of Oneida High School and an Elder at The First Presbyterian Church in Oneida. He owned his own construction company, building numerous swimming pools and houses for more than 30 years in Central New York. His pastimes were golf with his buddies, boating, snow and water skiing, having even left the water for the air by Ã¢â?¬Å?kite flyingÃ¢â?¬Â? on water skis. DickÃ¢â?¬â?¢s greatest pride and devotion was to his family and the time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His love will be missed. He is survived by his wife Barbara of 64 years, a daughter Kimberly, of Hoschton, GA, a son Richard and wife Kathleen of Raleigh NC; five grandchildren Kirsi Cronk Mendoza, Christopher Dacey Cronk, Kyle Hamilton Cronk, Sarah Lamb Chambers and John Lamb; three Great-Grandchildren Ella Kate Lamb, Anna Grace Mendoza and Malone Chambers. The Cronk family deeply appreciates the care afforded us by Hospice and Arbor-Oakridge. In lieu of flowers please support your local SPCA. A private family ceremony in celebration of his life and the internment of ashes, will be held at a future date.

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Ana

I am sorry for your loss. The bible provides comfort during these difficult times. Revelation 21:3,4...states "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away". Very soon now, we will never experience losing our loved ones in death.
September 01, 2020

Seth Denning

Barbara, Dick, and Kim - my deepest sympathies. I've thought often of your family and the many good times I had growing up on the same block as the Cronks. It was certainly a golden age. Dick Sr. was a class act with the biggest of hearts. His memory will never fade as long as I am alive. Love you all and miss you!
September 01, 2020

Marianne Zeun

Dear Barbara and Family, Our deepest condolences for the loss of your husband and father. Marianne Zeun and Family
September 01, 2020

Gary Cronk

Sincere sympathies to the entire family. I have very fond memories of Dick throughout Pop Warner football and all his encouragement. He was a great guy and definitely made an impact on my life, I'm sure if he were able to read this he'd be saying " I can't believe this kid's still alive!" He used to tell me to calm down, I was going to kill myself out on the field if I kept hitting like that. Hahaha, I feel lucky to have known him and had someone like him to look up to. God bless.
September 01, 2020

Ursula Carmola

Barb & Family, Deepest sympathy on Dick's passing. Although I never did see him again after your move down south, I remember him well and his presence will be missed.
September 01, 2020

Linda Cobb Finnerty

My Dad worked for Dick for many years and we were able to get a great pool in our yard because of it. My Dad had great respect for him. My Dad passed away in 72 at the age og 71.