Kenneth C. Kromer

Kromer, Kenneth C. COLUMBIAVILLE Kenneth C. Kromer, 72, of Columbiaville, dearly loved husband, son, father and grandfather passed away in the early hours of Saturday, March 29, 2008 with his family at his side. He was born in Hudson, N.Y., on June 5, 1935. Ken is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Frances (Graziano) Kromer; five children and their spouses, Lee Ann and Joe Alessi of Stottville, Joseph and Jean Kromer of Clifton Park, Caroline Kromer of Cary, N.C., Robin Kromer of Columbiaville and James and Heather Kromer of Nassau; and eleven grandchildren, Joseph Alessi, Jr., Michael Alessi, Lena Alessi, Kelsey Kromer, Joseph Kromer, Jr., Erik Kromer, Nicholas Kromer, Jordan Kromer, Samuel Kromer, Elizabeth Kromer and Benjamin Kromer. Also surviving are his mother, Helen Tomlin; brother, Hugh Kromer of Craryville; step brother Larry Tomlin of Red Hook and stepsister, Priscilla Tomlin of Reno, Nev. He was predeceased by his son, Kenneth Kromer, Jr. and his stepfather, John Tomlin. Upon graduation from Roe Jan High School, Ken enlisted in the US Army. Ken served as a sargeant and paratrooper during the Korean Conflict with the 11th Airbourne Division, 188th Airbourne Infantry Regiment. Ken retired from Sheber & Son in 1995, where he was employed as a journeyman roofer. He was also co-owner of Kromer Apartments with his brother, Hugh. They enjoyed taking care of the properties and the friendships they had with their tenants. He was a member of the Roofers and Waterproofers Local 241; a member of Nativity St. mary's Church in Stuyvesant Falls and a member of the Stottville VFW. Ken enjoyed coaching the Stockport Little League and serving as a Boy Scout troop leader when his children were young. At his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, he was the greatest spectator and he offered coaching advice and encouraged them to do their best. Ken enjoyed horse racing, golfing, hunting, gardening and spending time with his family and friends at his cabin. His greatest joy was his family and he cherished the times that the family was gathered all together. Visiting hours will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home. Prayers will be held at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Nativity St. Mary's Church. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Donations may be made to Nativity St. Mary's, 1890 Route 9, Stuyvesant, NY 12173.