Myron A. Jr Cronk

Myron A. Cronk, JR, known as JR by friends, passed away at home on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at the age of 88.

Born in Trumansburg on October 25, 1924, JR was the son of Myron, Sr. and Jessica Tassilo Cronk. Joining the US Army Air Force on April 8, 1943, JR proudly served with the 58th Wing, 20th Air Force during WW II. He received an Honorable Discharge on March 9, 1946. As a life member of the Trumansburg American Legion Post #770 and the Ovid VFW Post #6200, JR enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow service men and women. With the love-of-flying seed planted in the Air Force, JR honed his aviation skills over the years while piloting his own planes. This thirst for speed was also quenched by attending air shows, snowmobiling and turning heads in the many Corvettes that he owned, especially his 1968 pride and joy. For many years, JR and his Chevy cronies would congregate at Bob Newport’s Chevy tent during the Trumansburg Fair where they would give roaring support to Joie Chitwood. He was also known to visit a casino now and again, bowl with friends and family, mow his lawn to estate standards and share his enthusiasm for sports. In JR’s presence, one would know that NASCAR has never been the same without “The Intimidator” Dale Ernhardt, that all NFL teams pale in comparison to the NY Giants and not to ever say anything against the NY Yankees!

Many knew JR through his position as an Outside Plant Telephone Line Foreman with the Trumansburg Home Telephone Company. Friendships were also made through life memberships in the North Seneca Sportsman’s Club and the Ulysses Historical Society.

In addition to his parents, JR was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorla; two sisters, Jean Moracco and Yvonne Roykouff and two cousins, Pat Plataniotis and Ramie McCheyne. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Laurie Sowards Cronk; one daughter, LuAnn; four grandchildren, Sean, Ryan, Kayla and LeeQuain; four great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Debbie (Jim) Sladish and Cindy Hoke; one brother-in-law, Stanley (Barb) Sowards; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

The family will be present to receive friends from 3:00-5:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg. Services will begin at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 12th at the Trumansburg American Legion Post #770, 4431 Seneca Road, with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Losey officiating. Prayers of Committal will follow at Grove Cemetery where a Military Honors Tribute will be performed. A reception will be held at the American Legion immediately following the committal prayers.

Those who wish to remember JR in the form of a contribution are asked to kindly consider the Trumansburg Volunteer Fire Co., EMS, PO Box 418, Trumansburg, NY 14886 or the Ulysses Historical Society, PO Box 455, Trumansburg, NY 14886.