John Joseph Crone

John Joseph Crone, of San Leandro, CA, passed away on April 5, 2019 in Castro Valley, CA, 32 days short of his 100th Birthday. John was born on May 7, 1919 in San Francisco, CA, to the late Mildred and Walter Crone. He was the third child of eight children and was the last surving child.

John grew up in Willows, CA and graduated from Willows High School in 1937. He went on to attend the University San Francisco. Prior to WWII, John started working for International Harvester (IH). During the war he worked in the San Francisco Ship Yards building ships. When the war over, John returned to International Harvester Trucks working in the Parts Department, then as a Field Representative, and eventually becoming the West Coast Parts Manager until retiring in 1978 with 37 years of service. Not ready to fully retire, he went to work for Bayshore International as a manager until retiring in 1984.

John was husband of the late Lorraine (Smith); and the beloved husband of Mary (Waite) Crone for 72 years. He was preceded in death by his son, James Michael Crone. John is survived by his seven children; sons, Robert Crone (Susan) and Christopher Crone (Pamela); daughters, Partricia Carroll (Thomas), Gail Simmons (Peter), Rosemary Menard, Barbara Hemenez (William), and Deborah Crone-Palio (Richard); and his 13 grandchildren, Jon Crone(Lisa), Roger Ficklin (Jennifer), Thomas Carroll (Nicole), Stephen Carroll (Tracy), Meegan Decker (Andy), Kerry Wynn (Marvin), Ryann Shoaf (Paul), Matthew Crone, David Sanford, Travis Hemenez (Carrie), Monica Hemenez, Katherine Crone, and Stephanie Crone and 19 great-grandchildren.

John's favorite hobby was woodworking. He made beautiful baby cradles, plant stands, wine wracks, cutting boards, rocking horses and much more, for family and friends. The most famous thing he and Mary built was the Crone Family Cabin in Lake Mont Pines, Arnold, CA. He did this with the help of his brothers and many dear friends from St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church in San Leandro, CA. John also enjoyed deer and elk hunting in California and Colorado and fishing especially in Alaska, with his family and friends. He and Mary traveled the United States and cruised the world together - there were few places they had not been to. He was an avid A's fan, did two crossword puzzles a day in the newspapers and loved playing poker, and cribbage with dear friends. John was also a Third Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council 1615. John and Mary were happiest at the Crone Cabin where they spent many weekends, summers and holidays with family and friends.

All are welcome to attend the Celebration of Life Service, at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 4000 E. Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley, CA on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 12:30 P.M. followed by a lunch reception in the hall. Please wear bright colors! In Lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Shriners Hospital for Children, Att: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, or FACE (Family Aid - Catholic Education), 2121 Harrison Street, #100, Oakland, CA 94612.