P. Craig Cronce

P. Craig Cronce, age 81, died Thursday, October 7, 2021 in Raleigh NC. Born September 6, 1940 in Trenton NJ, Craig was the son of the late Frederick and Bernice (Philhower) Cronce. He lived in the Hunterdon County area most of his life until moving to Virginia in 2012. Craig took great pride in working hard and providing for his family. He built his house in Ringoes in 1968 on a piece of land that had been an orchard and originally owned by his grandfather. A few years later his parents built a house on the property next door. His brother lived just around the corner. It was his happy place for many years. He was a self-employed stonemason most of his life, and did beautiful work. Craig was a great father and some of the most important lessons he taught his children were to “work hard, do things right, and don’t cut corners.” He used to say “if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” Some of his other lessons were “Be honest,” “Do what you say you’re going to do,” “Be a good friend and neighbor, “Don’t hold grudges,” and to always “Give people the benefit of the doubt.” In his younger years, he went on family trips to the Indianapolis 500, and as a result he enjoyed auto racing his whole life, especially NASCAR. He liked fast cars and especially loved his 1957 Chevy and 1986 Corvette. He also enjoyed watching football, but the Philadelphia Eagles were his favorite team. Craig loved the creatures that visited his home. He kept many bird feeders and enjoyed watching the many birds and squirrels that would gather. He once rescued an owl with it’s foot stuck in a fence in downtown Ringoes. He had many cats throughout the years and he enjoyed their company as well. In the 1970s and early 80s he had snowmobiles and enjoyed riding them around the countryside with family and friends. After installing a swimming pool in the backyard, there were many parties and company picnics where he would invite all of his employees, as well as friends and family, to enjoy the entertainment and fellowship. Craig enjoyed playing in a dart league and many bowling leagues throughout the years. He was a volunteer fireman at the Amwell Valley Firehouse in Ringoes for a short time. Craig coached a Little League team when his son started playing baseball, and he continued for a few years after that. He was well liked because he always would make sure to play all the players in a game, no matter what their skill level. When he couldn’t be outside, he enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and a good meal. He was married to Melitta Gaynor for 53 years, until her passing in 2013, at which point he moved to Franklinton, NC and eventually lived with his fiancée, Judy Beaver-Pixton. Judy’s family loved him as well, and her daughters referred to him lovingly as their “stepdad.” Craig enjoyed traveling with Melitta, especially many trips to Maine, as well as several trips to Europe with Melitta and then later with Judy. Craig is survived by, his son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Robin Cronce of Lambertville NJ, his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Joseph Moser of Franklinton NC, his grandson, Michael Cronce of Bear, Delaware, his brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Joann Cronce of Ringoes NJ, and his fiancée, Judy Beaver-Pixton. A Memorial Service will be celebrated at 3:00 on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington NJ. Calling hours will be from 2:00 until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Craig's name may be made to Tabby’s Place Cat Sanctuary, 1100 US-202, Ringoes, NJ 08551, or The Amwell Valley Fire Company, PO Box 76, Ringoes, NJ 08551. For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.