Obituary of Joseph T. Kroczynski

Joseph T. Kroczynski Passed away, Thursday, July 29, 2010, of heart disease after an extended illness. He was born December 20, 1922, son of the late Hipolite and Pauline (Zelmanowicz) Kroczynski. He was married to his loving wife Phyllis Mulconery on September 25, 1948, who predeceased him in October 1994. He was also predeceased by their adored daughter Jo Marlene in January 1977, brothers, Martin, Edward, and another infant brother, and sister Genevieve Wood. Fate connected him with another loving and devoted wife, Antoinette "Petie" Spirawk Mold, whom he married in October 1997, and who predeceased him in April 2008. He is survived by his loving sons from his first marriage with Phyllis; Mark, of Plantation, FL and Scott T. (Dannielle) Kroczynski, with children, Kayla and Calvin, of State College, PA. He is also survived by his caring and devoted step-children, Lisa (Jay) O'Brien and her children, Sara and Zack of Elmira, NY, Thomas Mold and his boys, John T. and Brandon of Elmira, NY, and Sue (Thomas) Vetter of Spencerport, NY, and their children, Jenny, Joel, and Elizabeth. Surviving also are his caring and loving sisters, Bernice and Helen Kroczynski of the Elmira area; nieces, Janis (Clark) Peckham of Homer, NY, Frances (Robert) Baldwin, Marylee (Ron) Johnson, Annette Wylie, all of Elmira, NY, and Kelly Probasco of Idaho; nephews, Ricky M. Wylie of Rochester, NY, and Michael Mulconery of Idaho; along with numerous cousins, great nieces, great nephews, and other relatives. Joe was a proud veteran of the US Army and served in a tank battalion during World War II (1943-1946). These troops were the first to cross the Danube River and the unit was awarded two Battle Stars. He was a member of the Elmira Heights American Legion Post #154 and a past member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Joe was a graduate of the Elmira Business Institute. He was employed at Elmira College as their accountant for 8 years. He was then employed at Schweizer Aircraft for 28 years where he retired as the Assistant Treasurer in 1984. He very much loved golfing and was a member of Mark Twain Golf Course for 35 years. Joe was an avid card player, especially euchre. Over the years he enjoyed wearing many hats, including those of a gardener, fisherman, hunter and an excellent do it yourselfer on home projects, having proudly built his own garage and completing numerous other substantial home projects. Joe followed sports regularly and loved watching college football, especially games involving his beloved Notre Dame. He immensely enjoyed the many winters spent in the Cocoa Beach, FL after retirement. Most importantly, he was devoted to and very proud of his family. Joe always found time to spend with his family in a variety of interesting ways. Friends and relatives may call at the McInerny Funeral Home on Friday, July 30, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo in Elmira Heights, followed by a Christian burial at Woodlawn Cemetery with full Military Honors. It is Joe's wishes that memorial donations may be given to a charity of one's choice.