Willis J. Croneiser

Boonville - Willis J. Croneiser, 83, of Woodgate Drive, passed away on January 28, 2021, at the Siegenthaler Hospice Center, New Hartford, while surrounded by his loving family. Willis was born on April 3, 1937 in Port Leyden, a son of William J. and Elizabeth Agnes Cavanaugh Croneiser. He was raised in Port Leyden where he received his education, graduating with the Class of 1955 from Port Leyden Central School. On August 17, 1955 Willis entered active duty with the US Army. For 18 months he was stationed in Korea during the Korean War and was honorably discharged on June 11, 1957 after faithfully serving his country. Willis then returned to Boonville where he was employed as a mechanic for Cleo Hughes at C. Hughes Motors. In 1958, Willis was united in marriage with Nancy Hughes. The couple settled on a dairy farm on the Fish Creek Road, West Leyden, where they made their home and raised their five children. Later the couple was divorced. Willis continued the operation of his farm until 1990 when he moved to Boonville. He was then employed as a truck driver for F. J. Smith & Sons, and also Shufelt Towing and Recovery. Together with his longtime companion Sharon Baker, they enjoyed assisting Les Porter with his auction service. Willis was also well known for and enjoyed his firewood business, which he operated until August 2020. Willis was of the Catholic faith. Most recently a communicant of St. Joseph's Church, Boonville, he had previously attended St. Mary's West Leyden, as well as the St. Peter & Paul Parish, Fish Creek. Willis was also a life member of the Charles J. Love Post #406 American Legion, the Harland J. Hennessey Post #5538 V.F.W., and the Boonville Elks Lodge #2158. Surviving Willis is Sharon Baker, his high school sweetheart and longtime companion, his children: Peter (Ann) Croneiser, Eagle Bay, Rita Myers, Bridgeport, Patrick (Hope) Croneiser, Boonville, Dollie (Peter) Kaido, Oneida, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Willis was predeceased by his son Michael, son in law Peter Myers, and his siblings: Earl, Raymond, Alvin, and Bert Croneiser, Marion Croneiser, Sister Agnes William, Olive Rudd and Jane Axtell. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 2, beginning with a 10 am Prayer Service at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, followed by an 11 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph's Church, Charles St. Boonville. Interment with military honors will be held this spring in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Constableville. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4-7 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413, Charles J. Love Post American Legion, 124 E. Schuyler St. Boonville, or the Harland J. Hennessey V.F.W. Post, 108 Park Ave., Boonville, NY 13309.