Obituary of Peter J. Cronk

Peter James Cronk, 71, of Binghamton NY passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 30, at his home surrounded by his adoring family. Peter was born April 9th, 1946 to Erwin and Catherine Cronk. He grew up on the South Side of Binghamton and attended Binghamton High School, graduating in 1964 and Syracuse University, graduating in 1968. He served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army, enlisting in 1969 and serving until 1972. Peter was a veteran of the Vietnam War. When he returned home to Binghamton he began working as a copywriter for the Fred Riger Advertising Agency. Eleven years later, Peter and longtime friend Jon Davis would partner to purchase and manage the agency until Peter's retirement in 2011. In 1972 he married Doris Keenan, and the pair raised their four children on Binghamton's West Side. He was a doting and dedicated husband and Father. He is preceded in death by his Father, Erwin Cronk, Mother, Catherine Cronk, and sisters Suzanne and Carol Cronk. He is survived by his wife of forty-two years Doris Cronk and children Vanessa, Amanda (Gabe Tanenhaus), Ryan (Amanda),and Colin Cronk. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Kiana Archer-Cronk, Katalina and Penelope Cronk, Ryland Cronk, and Abraham Tanenhaus, as well as his beloved dogs Chiang, and Cixi. Peter also left behind many loved ones, friends, and colleagues, as one might expect from a man whose acclaim earned him the title 'Unofficial Mayor of Binghamton.' In fact it would surprise the writer of this obituary if anyone reading this does not have at least one - if not several - stories and memories of Peter's intelligence, humor, and kindness. He loved this community almost as much as he loved raising his family and making a life for himself here. Peter belonged to and was a part of too many community clubs, groups, and organizations to mention. Some of his favorites included his work with the Roberson Museum - especially the time he spent as President of the Board. He was also fond of his time working on the board of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, as well as the board of A.V.R.E. He was also a dedicated member of the Binghamton City School District Foundation. Peter will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community. He was a truly extraordinary human being in absolutely every way. There is currently no date scheduled to elect a new 'Unofficial Mayor of Binghamton', as no replacement is likely to be found. Funeral Services will be held at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Monday at 11 a.m. Rev. Corey S. VanKuren will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the McCormack Funeral Home, Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Binghamton City School District Foundation.