Robert J. Cronauer

Robert J. Cronauer, "BOB," of Harveys Lake died after a long battle with severe heart disease, multiple sclerosis and several other serious illnesses.

Robert was born February 1952, in Wilkes-Barre. He was the son of the late Clarence F. Cronauer Sr. and Edith Umlah Cronauer of Wilkes-Barre.

He started his working life in high school with the former United Penn Bank in Ashley. He then became involved with his father and brothers in many businesses over his lifetime. They owned and operated Loomis Electric Co. Inc. for many years. He was mostly involved with the former Parrish Optical Co. Inc. in Wilkes-Barre and was the general manager and a corporate officer. He spent 26 years living part-time operating their optical branch, Altoona Optical Co. in Altoona. He was also involved in Altoona with Blair Vision Rehabilitation. He loved and enjoyed the many people and friends he made in Altoona and kept contact with them even after his illnesses forced him into disability. In his schooling, he majored in business and accounting and handled the books for all the businesses. He was a certified optician with the American Board of Opticianry. He and his brother, Clarence Jr., also owned and operated Hazle Enterprises, a real estate holding company.

Robert was a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 233, Free and Accepted Masons, Jenkins Township, and formerly a member of the Irem Shriners until his disability.

He was predeceased by his father and mother; brothers, James John, Frederick and Joseph Cronauer Sr.; and sisters, Mary E. Cronauer Krysicki and Edith Kay Cronauer Hopkins Alu.

He is survived by his brother, Clarence F. Cronauer Jr., Harveys Lake; several nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces; and longtime friend, Steven Concert.

The funeral service will be held at 9 a.m. Monday from Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 9:30 a.m. in St. Andrew's Parish, formerly St. Patrick's, 316 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre.

Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting Robert's obituary at www.natandgawlasfuneralhome.com.