Richard Hamilton ââ?¬Å?Dickââ?¬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 Oneidaââ?¬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 ââ?¬Å?kite flyingââ?¬Â? on water skis. Dickââ?¬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.