William R. Cronk, 91, of Newton, N.H., and formerly of Haverhill, died Saturday, April 23, at Mike Conley Cornerstone Hospice House, Clermont, Fla.
He was born in Haverhill, April 28, 1924, son of the late William and Elsie (Carrington) Cronk. Educated in the Haverhill school system, Cronk graduated from Haverhill High School, class of 1942. He attended Merrimack College and the former Lowell Technical College. During World War II, he served in the United States Army 79th Division Military Police Platoon where he earned an American Theater Campaign Ribbon, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon and three Battle Stars. Upon being honorably discharged from the Army he spent four years in the Army Reserve attaining the rank of sergeant. 1C. For more than 28 years he was employed at the former Western Electric/AT&T as a statistical and quality engineer until his retirement in 1981. Prior to this he was employed as a baker at the former Bradford College. Cronk was a member of
the Telephone Pioneers of America.
He was the husband of the late Dorothy M. (Dodge) Cronk who died in 1998. His survivors include his wife of seven years, Anne (Konigsberg) Cronk of Newton, N.H.; two sons, William Cronk Jr. of Danville, N.H., and Leon T. Cronk of Tennesee; daughters, Sandra J. Howatt and her husband Peter of Texas, and Sharon L. Cronk of Methuen; six grandchildren, Stephanie and Matthew Cronk, Amy, Katy and Sarah Howatt, Lexi Lopez; as well as 10 great grand children.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his graveside service Tuesday, May 3 at noon, in Hillside Cemetery, Haverhill. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are by the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Haverhill & Bradford.