21, 22. CLASSMATES ON THIS PAGE ARE: Bill Craig and Len Cronk
21. CRAIG, Bill
PHOTOS:
PROFILE:
22. CRONK, Len -- Len died in August, 2020, of complications from a severe infection of his leg.
PHOTOS:
Len and Hisayo
Len and Hisayo
Len and Hisayo
PROFILE (submitted by Len in 2011):
Born in Paterson NJ April, 1943. Grew up in MP, parents teachers, father later Supt. of Schools, Orange, NJ. After Midland Park High School, went to Cornell, studied Engineering/ Business and pursued everything possible in music (trumpet, singing — notably Cayuga’s Waiters, 12-man a cappella group, then tame, now with groupies).
Married a Cornell classmate in ’65; after that we were 2 yrs grad students. Started at Mobil Oil operations research in NYC, then Price Waterhouse consulting for 10 years — best job ever but stayed too long. Moved to Greenwich CT; have 2 girls -- Cathy and Marcy. Went to good jobs 10 yrs on Wall St (big stress, long hours), where the bad guys got me. No more Greenwich.
From then 'til now have had a series of interesting independent consulting assignments in NYC / Boston / Chicago / NJ / Greenwich. Have kept up the music (trumpet, singing — now with St. Mark’s Episcopal in New Canaan CT — great choir!)
Tennis life Sport — hurt my back in March 1995 playing men’s doubles with a Belle Haven group. Went to doctor. There met Hisayo Arikawa in Riverside, CT June, 1995 — lightning striking! Divorced classmate in 1998 — plaintiff made me the bad guy. Hisayo and I married in 1998. Since then have lived in Scarsdale NY, Bronxville NY, and Rowayton CT. Now in Darien CT last 9 yrs. Lots of boating on Long Island Sound.
Along the way, Charlie Clifford’s son Mark and my daughter Cathy dated and married (this never happens!) in 2000. They now have Penelope May and Kera Beale, 6 and almost 3, and live on Cape Cod, near Charlie and Cricket.
My other daughter, Marcy, and her 2009 husband Mike have a newborn (August 3) -- son James Miguel -- and live in Riverdale Bronx NY.
Most recent work was as SVP Manley Marketing in Greenwich.
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Len died August 21, 2020; the following beautiful words are from his close friend, Charlie Clifford:
Len was one of the first people I met after moving to Midland Park in 1953. During the first few days of school, someone told me that Len was the smartest kid in the class, and he lived up to his reputation by effortlessly mastering every subject throughout our school years. He was especially good at math, and by the time we reached high school, several of us eagerly sought his help when we were unable to solve one of our nightly homework problems.
Len and I were very close friends all through school, our college days and in the years thereafter. I was Best Man at both of his weddings and Cricket and I socialized with Len and Marty (a Cornell classmate, who was his first wife) regularly over several decades. Our children knew each other growing up, and in the late 90's, our son Mark reintroduced himself to Len’s daughter Cathy; they began dating and were married in 2000.
Len had a great sense of sense of humor and was always ready to laugh with a distinctive cackle at his own foibles. Although he was not a natural athlete, Len was a fierce competitor on the tennis courts, and was known for his consistency and his determination. He was unfailingly loyal to his friends, a great entertainer and well-liked by everyone, who came to know him.
As you will recall, Len was an extremely talented musician, so I found a couple of trumpet pieces which remind me of the many solos he performed when our band played during high school assemblies. I think you will enjoy them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8j9R1L4HL8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWIrbfCynwE
Len had a tough time in recent years, as he had lost his mobility. The last few months were very challenging for him, as he spent most of the summer in a hospital due to an infection in his leg. Hisayo cared for him diligently with much love and compassion.
Len is survived by his wife, Hisayo (whom he married in 1988), along with his daughters Cathy and Marcy from his first marriage and his grandchildren, Penelope, Kera and James.
So many warm memories . . . Rest in Peace my friend!
--Charlie
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