Robert Earl Cronk

Robert Earl Cronk, 82, our father left us June 20, 2008 for the next passage of life. He was a dedicated family man, hardworking, compassionate, and fun loving, always putting family ahead of himself. Robert Earl Cronk was born April 2, 1926 in Haverhill, MA to W. Ruth Ingalls and Thomas H. Cronk and later moved to Worcester and then Holden in 1958.

Dad attended local Worcester schools, and then in 1943, after attending his freshman year of high school, he joined the U.S. Navy where he attained rank of Fireman 1st Class. Dad was honorably discharged in 1946 after serving his country two and a half years. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Medal. Our Dad, like countless other American Veterans was one of the "Greatest Generation".

After his discharge, Dad returned to Commerce High school where he met the love of his life Eunice Megarry. They married on April 17, 1949. Dad worked at Rockwood Sprinkler until 1955, then went to work for Jamesbury Corporation as a machinist and later production manager. After 34 years with Jamesbury, Dad retired in 1990. Mom and Dad then spent much time at the family camp in New Hampshire, where Dad learned to swim, row and sail as a kid.

He is survived by four children: Robert W. Cronk and wife Karen and two children, Caitlin and Robert of Southport, ME; Wendy L. Cronk and her partner Wendy of South Dennis, MA; Jeffrey T. Cronk of Rutland, MA and his children: Jennifer, Heidi, Christine and Tim; and Tracy L. Vartanian and husband Mark and two children Garrett and Grace of Hubbardston. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren; a brother George Cronk and sister-in-law Beryl of Tequesta, FL, and nieces and nephews. His sister, Pauline Johnson of Sunnyvale, CA and his stepmother, Betty Cronk of Worcester, MA predeceased him.

Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Dad's life at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 29th at Lake View Congregational Church, 115 Coburn Ave., Worcester, MA 01604. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lake View Congregational Church. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden is directing arrangements.

www.milesfuneralhome.com