Ray W Cronrath

Ray W. Cronrath, 74, of Rockland Township, formerly of Topton, died Thursday, January 6, 2011, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Audrey L. (Smith) Cronrath, who died on December 27, 2007.

Born in Rockland Township on September 18, 1936, Ray was the son of the late John I. and Beulah L. (Eckert) Cronrath. He was a 1954 graduate of Kutztown Area High School and a member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, Topton. Early in his career he worked for Eastern Industries and then labored over 30 years as a plant superintendent for Joseph Ciccone & Sons, Bath, PA, retiring in 2002. An avid sportsman, Ray enjoyed his associations with the Rockland Rod & Gun Club, the Breezy Acres Hunting Club, the Pike Township Sportsman’s Association, the Ray A. Master American Legion, and the Lyons Fire Company. Whether you called him Dad, Pop-Pop, Eli, or Shorty, you could always count on him for a witty moment, a smile or a helping hand. He was a dedicated and caring husband, a wonderful father and grandfather to all his kids, and a kind and considerate friend to all that knew him.

He is survived by Daughter, Debra A. (Cronrath) wife of Michael J. Billowitch, Whitehall, PA; Sons, Michael R., husband of JoAnne (Murphy) Cronrath, Fairfield, PA and J. Timothy Cronrath, Topton. Other survivors include 7 Grandchildren, Katie M. (Billowitch) Brader, Karyn A. (Billowitch) wife of David R. Zwoyer, SGT Matthew R. Cronrath, U.S. Army, Hunter Army Airfield, GA, Corey J. Cronrath, Geena M. Cronrath, Kari A. Cronrath, Colton R. Cronrath, a Step-Grandson, Joseph G. Funk, IV, and a Great-Granddaughter, Kenna A. Zwoyer.

Funeral Services are Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 2:00 PM from the Ludwick Funeral Home, 25 E. Weis Street, Topton. Interment in New Jerusalem Union Cemetery, Fleetwood. Friends may call Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM in the funeral home.

The family requests contributions to St. Peter’s UCC Church Memorial Fund, 122 W. Franklin Street, Topton, PA 19562. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Topton, PA.