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William Cromie Obituary
Born in Passaic, Mr. Cromie lived in Kinnelon for the past 50 years. He worked in the Pequannock school district for 40 years, serving as choir director, marching band assistant, and theater arts and humanities teacher before retiring. Also, he was the voice of the Pequannock Golden Panthers football program for 47 years. A lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church of Clifton, he was the longtime director of the church choir. After retiring, he worked with the Kinnelon school district custodial staff during the summer.
Arrangements are by the M. John Scanlan Funeral Home, Pompton Plains.
Mr. Cromie is survived by his wife, the former Mary Jewett; and his sons, Michael, Aaron, and Benjamin.
He was predeceased by his parents, William and Lillian.
Memories and Condolences
for William Cromie
73 Entries
Ray Mittan
July 2, 2012
Class of 1967
How sad it was to hear of Mr Cromie's passing...he was special...never thought I would be involved in Chorus and Choir, but Mr C was the reason.......so motivational, and positive.....not sure how he had the energy to work with everyone, but he did......and I will never forget him! May God Bless the Cromie family, and give them strength during this time of loss.
Marilynn Mittan-Urban
July 1, 2012
Class of 1966
What can you say about such a special person in your life?
Mr. Cromie created confidence in his young students, teaching us so much more than the music which we loved! He was young, energetic, and exuberant as he introduced us to his young bride.
We had so much fun putting on The Mikado, H.M.S. Pinafore Productions. Encouraging this Alto to Sing "O Holy Night"at the 1966 Christmas Concert. One of the BEST TEACHERS in my life, he knew how to bring the best out of his students. He molded us into the adults we eventually became. He was a Giant influence in my life, and I can't wait to finally join his choir in Heaven. What a day that will be!
David Hammond
June 30, 2012
June 30, 2012
When I learned of Bill's passing a few weeks ago, I was jolted to my core. He was one of those extrodinary people who touched and taught everyone in his own natural way -- those of us who knew him were truly blessed by his talents and gifts. I graduated PTHS in 1967 and cherish my experiences growing up in Pequannock as some of the very best in my life -- Bill added so much to my life along the way in enhancing my appreciation for music, supporting my acting ambition, leading the marching band when Mr. Whilhelm was unavailable, mentoring me, and on and on. My wife and I moved to Kinnelon in 1987 and we'd make it a point to attend the annual Christmas concert which always brought tears to our eyes. I saw Bill at the recycling center once and asked what he was up to lately. He told me he was "painting" and thought he being a creative guy that he was doing water colors or something on canvas. He quickly clarified that he was painting the curbs on the HS parking lot across the street! We had a few laughs over this...I truly loved Bill and miss him. May God Bless his family and his memory. Love to his family and friends, Dave (Melofchik) Hammond (recently moved to Southport NC)
June 22, 2012
Dear family of Bill Cromie,
I went to Passaic High School, graduated with Bill. He was a funny, talented and dedicated person. He knew my former husband, Patrick Catania and taught my three daughters when we lived in Pequannock. I was so very shocked to read his obituary. I use to see him at games and competitions, but hadn't seen him since he retired. Our whole 1956 class will all have fond memories of "Willie". Barbara Strong (Catania), Lincoln Park, New Jersey
Lorie (Murphy) De Haan
May 17, 2012
The Legend of Bill Cromie was in his genius at assessing and developing talent (whether you had it or not) and making everyone feel included and united as one...including the audience. Will anyone ever forget "Sleigh Ride" with his infamous red bow tie schtick?When I put on a small Christmas production at the Hoffmann-La Roche theater in Nutley, I used all the skills he taught...producing, writing, directing and choreography. I felt his presence running around the theatre (which was about the size of PTHS) and envisioned him checking the lighting, the sound system and calling out,"I can't hear you!" The Legend of Bill Cromie will live on in all of us who knew and loved him. Thanks, Bill...You are now with Christ the King. My deepest sympathy goes to your family and friends,
Robert Spiess
May 16, 2012
I will remember forever Fiddler on the Roof and the audience stopping the show after the "Dream Sequence" and demanding that it be repeated. Maybe he changed only one life in his career; mine and definitely his life was worthwhile. Thanks Mr. Cromie
Bob Spiess PTHS '74
penny van duyne
May 15, 2012
One of my dear friends who I worked with most of my nursing career sent me the obituary about your dear husband, while I am in Rochester NY caring for my grandson while mom is in Sondheim's Company and the dad is home in NYC in scenery and lighting. I have many happy memories of the wonderful choral concerts and musicals you both worked on over the years. You both have been an inspiration for many young people and their parents. My other 2 children continue to enjoy participating in local musical theatre in Maine where we now live. My condolances to you and your wonderful young men and their families. I know he will be greatly missed by many but perhaps assisting with a heavenly choir.
clifford shaw
May 14, 2012
I meet Bill in the 4th grade at ps#3 school--we became great friends during those years and I will will always remember him. He was always better in workshop than me , just maybe I became a builder--may god bless you bill cromie
Nancy Demarest
May 14, 2012
You only have one teacher like Mr. Cromie in your lifetime. A great and kind man who i will remember always. God bless you and your family.
Wayne Garlick
May 13, 2012
The Christmas concerts and O Holy Night always had and will have a great memory . Enjoyed having Mr. Cromie as a teacher and mentor . May God Bless you and your family. Class of 73
Sandy (Namiotko) Nelson
May 12, 2012
Blessings to Mrs. Cromie and sons during this difficult time. Mr. Cromie was one of a kind, and his kindness will be remembered by many. Heaven has gained the best choir director. Thank you for sharing him with us; he will be missed.
May 11, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Cromie family. My heart breaks with yours over the loss of Mr. Cromie. His influence in my life led me to be a music teacher and I will be forever grateful to him for encouraging my passion and my dream. My life is better because I knew him, and I'm so sorry to not be able to pay my respects in person. What we have lost is certainly Heaven's gain, and I know the angels will have the best choir ever under the direction of Mr. Cromie.
Sharon Anderle
May 11, 2012
With sincere sympathy.
Sharon
Class of 70
May 11, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. It was an honor to know Willy and work along side him at Pequannock High School. Every time I walk on the football field, I think of his announcing as the voice of the panthers as well as his work during band competitions and appearing on the WKER Football Game of the Week. It was truly a pleasure to have him as a friend, a person who gave excellent "Irish Advice" and a true dedicated family man in all aspects. May God Bless you in this time and I know in my heart he's been called home to announce the "biggest game of his career."
Bill, Margaret, & Billy McNeir
Franklin, New Jersey
Cindy Cutillo-Sochalec
May 11, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Cromie and the rest of the family. The hours spent in high school with Mr. Cromie bring back my fondest memories of those four years. Mr. Cromie had a knack for bringing out the best in people. It was my pleasure and honor to have known this one side of Mr. Cromie, a well-rounded inidivual who will be remembered with love by so many.
Gloria Saltzman
May 11, 2012
Dear Mrs. Cromie and Sons,
Our deepest sympathies go out to your family at this very sad time. Mr. Cromie was such an inspiration and influence to all the lives he touched throughout the years and will always be remembered by the young and the old. His love of music was so appreciated. May he rest in peace and may his memory be forever in your hearts.
Love, Gloria and Jim Saltzman
Corinne Lovelace
May 10, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Cromie's passing! I enjoyed Chorus in high school so much because of him! May God comfort his family at this difficult time!
Corinne(Apgar)Lovelace PTHS class of 1977
Danielle (Cetani) Unger
May 10, 2012
I am sad to hear of the passing of Mr Cromie--he was a wonderful and inspiring choir teacher while I was a student at PTHS. As a teacher myself now, I value even more the compassion and enthusiasm he brought to school. Saying that he will be missed is surely an understatement. RIP.
Nancy Mosley
May 10, 2012
Dear Cromie Family,
My deepest sympathy to you all. What a wonderful man and an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He will always be remembered and his voice will always sing through the halls of PTHS.
Nancy Mosley Michaud - Class of 1973
Nancy Conkiln-Bridges
May 10, 2012
I am sorry to hear of Mr. Cromie's passing. He was a wonderful teacher and an inspirational music director. I have many positive memories from my time at PTHS in the choir and choruses thanks to him.
Our condolences to his family.
May 10, 2012
I have many fond memories of Willie from church choir. He was always happy and smiling, sharing a joke or two, making rehearsals a lot of fun. Sending you my deepest sympathy.
~Laura Dennis Hensley, Henderson, Nevada
Ralph and Debbie venezia
May 10, 2012
Mary, Aaron, Ben and Mickey. Our deepest condolences. Willie was a great teacher, mentor and most of all friend. We will miss him dearly. He will always be in our memories and hearts.
Love,
Ralph and Debbie Venezia
Brenda Sidney
May 10, 2012
Willie was such a fantastic person. I remember times with him at band camp and spring trips as being very special. He had a way of making everyone feel good about themselves. He is singing in heaven with the angels. God bless him and hid family.
May 10, 2012
Mary: Jack and I would like to express our sincere condolences for your loss. We have such wonderful memories of band trips and band camp and a man who brought such wisdom and humor to them. May God comfort you and your family. Jack and Bette Valle
May 9, 2012
Wonderful memories of Willy when we were classmates at Passaic High...chorus, clubs, plays. We laughed a lot. And, so,
Go Ndeana A Anam Siams Dar dtiarna Ar Neamh Go Brah...May your soul ever entertain our Lord in Heaven.
Fr. Michael Fill
Philadelphia, Pa
Passaic High School
Class of 1956
Carolee (McDonald) Kallmann
May 9, 2012
Mr. Cromie was an extraordinary person. I can still see his smile and feel his enthusiasm. I am grateful to have known him. God bless him and his family. Class of 1966
diane kimberley
May 9, 2012
May 9, 2012
my memories of willie are only good ones. we spent 17 years in the same dept. in retirement we vacationed together on a cruise. to Mary, my sympathy and to the rest of his family.
warm regards- Diane and Dan Kimberley
Poul Jørgensen
May 9, 2012
Willy Cromie was one of my best friends through 43 years. My wife and I met Willy and his wife in connection with the "Hands Across the Sea" program in 1969, and we got close friends. We shared so many values. We met again in their home four years ago, and nothing had changed: The same values and the same humour as in our young days.
Ken Weinberg
May 9, 2012
Mr. Cromie, thanks for the encouragement to ad lib, for letting a quiet nerdy kid play a quiet nerdy kid and changing a life in the process. There was no text book for the life lessons learned. You challenged, inspired, encouraged and acknowledged us. A special thank you to your family for sharing you with us. Enjoy God's "after party" and save us a seat. Well done good and faithful son!
Class of '85.
Valerie Bunker-Gearl
May 9, 2012
Mr. Cromie was a wonderful teacher and inspired so many students to join band and choir. My deepest sympathy to his family. He will be dearly missed!!
Ardyth Ayrey Hintzman
May 9, 2012
We grew up with Mr. Cromie, and I think he grew up some with us as I remember him from PVS in 1966 when he was a very young man. I will never forget learning the lyrics to "Oliver!" and the opportunities he opened for each of us who said "I want" for he would give 110%. He was a talented, gifted, and rare man. I'm sure he's singing more loudly now than ever. May peace be yours.
Jennifer Ruckstuhl-Bariso
May 9, 2012
Mr. Cromie is an inspiration to many. A smile or laugh was always around when he was. So sorry for your loss and hope that he is singing loud and proud in Heaven!
Louise Walk
May 9, 2012
My heartfelt condolences to the Cromie family.
Myles Chizacky
May 9, 2012
My families thoughts and prayers are with you all. Class of 1988.
ALMA HOUCK
May 9, 2012
Mary & Sons,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your husband & father. He was such a nice person and great talent. He will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers are with you in this sad time. Always remember all the wonderful things you shared together over the years. Alma (Hagberg) Houck
Kamala Mallik-Kane
May 8, 2012
I had 4 great years of choir and band (PTHS, 1988) thanks to Mr. Cromie. To this day, I can't hear "O Holy Night" without warm memories of each Christmas concert. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Cromie family.
Mary McCauley
May 8, 2012
Mr. Cromie was an inspiration to so many people. I am blessed that he was in my life for 4 years! He is in his spot now singing with the angels! RIP Mr Cromie! I will never forget you!
Chris Sachs '76
May 8, 2012
Many of my H.S. memories, if not most, include Mr Cromie - Stage Crew, Band, Annual Christmas Concert... I can't listen to "O Holy Night" without thinking of Mr Cromie! Thank you for making everyone's life a little. better. May you rest in Peace.
Diane Wolfe
May 8, 2012
Silly Willy
My friend and colleague.
I am blessed to have known you.
We shall meet again.
Wolfie
Melinda Walsh
May 8, 2012
Many thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to the Cromie Family. May the Lord draw very close and make HIS presence very real as you travel through this sad time. Bob and I have many many fond memories of Mr Cromie. He was an inspiration to many of us at PTHS. A wonderful man, had such compassion for music, and you will surely be missed!! Rest in Peace and O' Holy Night, Mr Cromie... Love, Bob and Melinda (Carey) Walsh, PTHS Class of '84
Becky Larkin Dickinson
May 8, 2012
With fond memories of a wonderful teacher a very special man. He sure enjoyed teaching and made Choir so much fun. PTHS Class of 1979
Liana Marley Marie
May 8, 2012
Mr. Cromie will be missed by many. He influenced so many lives in a very positive way. We will never forget you! you will live on in the hearts of all those who knew you.
Joanne and Larry Gareau
May 8, 2012
Condolences to the Cromie family.
Larry Ham
May 8, 2012
Mr. Cromie was one of those teachers which a student remembers all his life. Many memories of him playing the piano at Pequannock Valley as we sang songs from "The Sound of Music". PTHS 1967
May 8, 2012
Mr. Cromie was such a patient, kind hearted man who brought out the best in all of us! He will be dearly missed and remain forever in our Hearts.
Nancy Feld-Suckiel -- Class of 1987
John Rathgeb
May 8, 2012
Willie was a friend, colleague, and mentor to me. I will always value the lessons that he taught me.
Charlene Senn-Lovegrove
May 8, 2012
An inspirational teacher! The best epitaph a person could have.
May 8, 2012
Chorus was one of my favorite classes at PTHS. Great memories, my condolences to The Cromie family. Jean (duane) Huber class of 76
Susan Smith
May 8, 2012
Thank you to the Cromie family for allowing all of us to be part of Mr. Cromie's "family" also. May you always smile at every sweet memory he leaves with all of us and you. Love, Susan (Spring) Smith, PTHS Class of 1978
Kelly Rainey
May 8, 2012
May you rest in peace in this...forever, Oh, Holy Night.
Kelly Rainey
PTHS class of 1985
Robin Gallagher
May 7, 2012
My deepest sympathies to the Cromie family. Enjoyed every class Mr. Cromie taught and every performance he orchestrated. I'm sure he's already harmonizing with the angels! He left a great legacy on earth with his students and everyone he met. Bravo, God Bless and RIP Mr. C. Love, Robin (Linzey) Gallagher, class of '83
Susan Bunker
May 7, 2012
Prayers and love to the Cromie family. Mr. Cromie was my favorite teacher and one of the kindest people I know. I always remember the choir concerts at PTHS and singing "O Holy Night", one of my favorite parts of Christmas. He made each of us feel special and loved. Miss you, Mr. Cromie. Love, Susan (Nocella) Bunker, class of '94
Joyce (De Lucca) Tanner
May 7, 2012
My deepest condolences to the Cromie Family. My years at PTHS (class of 65) were wonderful because of Mr. Cromie. May he rest in peace.
Allison Lewis Anthony
May 7, 2012
The angels have a new choirmaster. While we weep, they rejoice.
Thanks, Mr. Cromie, for everything.
Sharon Ramella-Innamorato
May 7, 2012
May the Lord give you strength during this difficult time. Mr. Cromie was by far my favorite teacher. I hope he is saving my place on the risers to sing in his choir again some day.
Margaret Grieshaber
May 7, 2012
Mr. Cromie was one of the best teachers I had in PVS & PTHS, & I attribute my love of Broadway musicals to him. Mr. Cromie was a good & kind man, & I'll remember him with much fondness while singing around the house because it was he who inspired it! With much sympathy to his wife, sons, & family - Margaret (Margie Schober '68) Grieshaber
Tom Reilly '75
May 7, 2012
Love and prayers to the Cromie family. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with the students of Pequannock Township High School. We loved him dearly.
Heaven's gate opened wide on Saturday. God bless you, Mr. Cromie.
Sandy Hopman Fredricks
May 7, 2012
Deepest sympathies and prayers to Mrs. Cromie and her sons. I have many fond memories of time in h.s. band and chorus with Mr. Cromie. He will be leading an entirely new chorus and band in heaven.
May 7, 2012
Mr. Cromie was one of my favorite teachers ever. Thanks to him, I also can still sing all the lyrics to "Oliver!" and many other musicals, much to my husband's chagrin. He was an inspired teacher and a charmingly upbeat human being.
My condolences to the Cromie family. Thank you for sharing him with us. He was the greatest!
BJ Breen Semmes
PTHS Class of 1968
Merrilee McMurray
May 7, 2012
My condolences to the Cromie family. I remember him well from Theater Arts and Chorus, Choir. He was a wonderful teacher and will be missed.
Janine Jagger
May 7, 2012
Mr. Cromie filled our heads with music and song, which in addition to leaving less available space for fruitless pursuit - are probably the most durable memories we will have on this earth.
Judith Hugg-Eckhard
May 7, 2012
Mr. Cromie had a gift for teaching, and his humor and care for each one of us was something very special. I graduated in 1970, and never forgot him! My prayers are with the Cromie family. The world is a lesser place without Bill Cromie in it!
Marlene Belhumer-Riva
May 7, 2012
My condolences to the Cromie family. I was in the chorus all 4 yrs of high school. He was an awesome teacher! He will be missed. I always looked forward to his class.
Therese Nellessen-Knight
May 7, 2012
My deepest condolences to Mrs. Chromie and your sons. I had four wonderful years at PTHS and always remember it and Mr. Chromie fondly. He will be missed.
John Steidl
May 7, 2012
....band camps,band trips,musicals..Mr.Cromie made everyone of those a special memory..may he rest in peace..my condolences to the Cromie Family
May 7, 2012
Our condolences to the Cromie family. Mr. Cromie was quite a gentlman and impacted all the students he came in contact with. The Stockinger Family
Jeanie Sinsabaugh Caillie
May 7, 2012
I will think of him each time that I hear certain songs. Mr. Cromie brought happiness to my days at PTHS (grad 1975) love & prayers to family and friends. "Happiness Is...having a teacher who will never be forgotten"
Kathy Word
May 7, 2012
My thoughts and prayers to the Cromie family. He was an awesome man who will not be forgotten.
Joan Gray
May 7, 2012
Among my favorite memories from Pequannock are sharing teaching duties with "Willie". I know my girls have their own memories. Marge always talks about the days at "Mommie Ollie's"
Then there are the productions that will live with us forever. Our love to all the family. It was a good life.
Sincerely, Joan & Joe Gray
glen scratchley
May 7, 2012
I was very sad to hear. I have nothing but great memories
Kathleen Reynolds
May 7, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Marcelo Gosiker
May 7, 2012
Willie may you rest in peace a wonderful man who touched all of us. You will not be forgotten From the crew at Kinnelon high school
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