Raymond F. Cronk

Raymond Floyd Cronk, of Chenango Bridge, New York, died Saturday, August 14th in his home due to complications from congestive heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. Ray was born March 21, 1944 in California’s San Bernardino Valley to Elmer and Jeanette (Rulison) Cronk. He grew up on Margaret Street in Johnson City, and graduated from Johnson City High School in 1962. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from SUNY Oneonta in 1973, and it was there he met his devoted and loving wife of 44 years, Mary. He worked at IBM Endicott for over thirty years.

Ray was an exceptionally supportive and loving father. When his daughters were young, he dedicated nearly all his free time to their well being. To them, Ray was always “world’s best dad”, offering guidance, reassurance, and unending love. To his parents and his sisters he was affectionately known as “Buzzy”, and loved making them laugh. To his friends, he was known for his wit, sense of humor, and positive outlook. Ray was a life-long dog lover, and was usually found with a dog or two on his lap, which was difficult because he always had large dogs.

Ray was a talented artist and wood worker, beginning with strip canoes and Adirondack style furniture. He spent much of his time between Binghamton and Tupper Lake, NY, where he hiked and paddled with his wife. Later in life, he developed an interest in landscape photography, printing and framing. He displayed his work at art shows and craft fairs throughout the Adirondacks and won several awards.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters Tara Robinson (and husband Benjamin) of Baltimore, MD, and Brittany Cronk of Lansing, NY; three grandchildren Leo and River Robinson and Jasper Chilson; sisters Judy Cronk of Scotia, NY and Lynnda Bush (and husband Frank) of Denver, CO; and his two dogs, Marley and Lucca.

The family will privately celebrate his life in the place he loved most, Tupper Lake, NY, due to the current risks associated with Covid-19. Please consider sending donations to Broome County Humane Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Wild Center, Tupper Lake, NY.
 

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