Robert J. Croop

Robert J. (Bob) Croop, 86, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2023, at the Eastern Star Home with his loving family at his side.

Bob was born on November 7, 1936, in Factoryville, PA to the late Andrew and Margaret (Jones) Croop. His family moved to Utica at a young age and he grew up working various farms in the Steuben Valley. He graduated from Holland Patent Central School and then proudly served in the United States Air Force. He was a wonderful father, brother, and friend and was always a true gentleman.

He was employed at Special Metals for over 30 years and served as a foreman. During his time there, he was instrumental in designing a method of streamlining the entire billet handling process. He designed and received senior management approval for the Batch Mobile Handling System, which was affectionately nicknamed “The Croopmobile”, for which he received The President’s Award.

Bob is survived by his son, Robert (Joanne) Croop, and step-son Scott (Cindy) Chwalek, Scott’s daughter, Amanda Chwalek, the mother of his son and dear friend, Maureen Croop, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by both of his parents; siblings, Evelyn Bowers, Betty Rae Smith, Charles Croop, Jerry Croop, Richard Croop, and Duane Croop, his second loving wife, Cheryl (Thompson) Croop and his third loving wife Connie (Chwalek) Croop.

All are invited to call on Saturday, February 18th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the McGrath, Myslinski, Karboski & Nunn Funeral Directors, 470 French Road, Utica. A celebration of life will take place immediately following the calling hours at The Roselawn Banquet Facility, Main Street, New York Mills.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob’s memory to Feed Our Vets ( www.feedourvets.org ) or to the Eastern Star Home, Oriskany. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Cindy Chwalek, whom he loved like a daughter, as well as the entire staff at the Eastern Star Home for their love and compassion towards Bob while he was in their care.