Gene R. “Pete” Cromleigh Sr.

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May 9 1933
Apr 11 2020
86 Years
Formerly of Parkesburg

Gene R. “Pete” Cromleigh Sr., 86, formerly of Parkesburg, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 11th, under the care of Brandywine Hospital.

He was the widower of the late Lorene Cromleigh, who passed away in 2004 after they had shared 46 years of marriage.  Born at the former Coatesville Hospital, Pete was the son of the late Dot (Mowday) and Theodore W. Cromleigh.  

Pete served honorably with the US Army during the Korean War.  He was a beloved and involved member of the Parkesburg VFW Post 4480 and worked at the former Lukens Steel Co. as a Crane Operator.  He was a member of the Parkesburg Presbyterian Church.  

Inexplicably known as Pete, he was full of life up until the very end. Well-known and well-loved, he ran into friends nearly everywhere he went; no trip was complete without stopping to speak with someone he knew.

To know Pete, was to love him. He was incredibly caring and social, and he was very persistent when it came to things he wanted or cared about. Those who knew him knew he was a creature of habit, an avid and particular snacker, a heckler (all in good fun), a ladies man, and most of all, one of your favorite people. You couldn’t help but care about Pete, and that is made clear by the number of people who loved him.

He spent a large amount of time visiting the VFW and meeting his friends at Seawell’s Market in Parkesburg. He could always have a conversation with you about the state of the Philadelphia Eagles or Phillies. He loved country-western music and western movies.  You could find him watching M*A*S*H on TV in the evenings when he wasn’t making phone calls.

In addition to Pete’s many titles, he was a loving son, friend, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by one son, Gene R. "Rich" Cromleigh, Jr. of Homeville, three granddaughters, Mary, Kelly, and Katie, and one great-grandson, Wade.  He will be missed and remembered by so many. 

Due to the current restrictions on public gatherings, Pete's burial at Upper Octorara Cemetery will be private.  

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg.  Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com

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Good ol Pete.....he was everywhere in town, talking to everybody and knowing everything....funny but serious when he wanted to be.  He will be missed as he was one of a kind.  He even talked my husband George, into helping with a cub scout troop and we didn't even have a son.  

 

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Sending our deepest sympathy to the family of "Pete" I can only Imagine spending Easter with our Lord and Savior rejoicing in his arms.  Pete always had a way of putting a smile on face.  He loved people and people loved him.   

RIP Pete, Tina and Gary Myers

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My first recollection of Pete was when I was a young man and seeing Pete at the many great baseball games at Minch Park.  Pete always wore a white tee shirt and he walked to the ball field from his house on Third Ave.  He lved baseball.  My other recollection was the group that met at Sewell's Market for coffee in the mornings.  I always tested Pete about him resemblingactor Walter Matthau (at least I though so).  Rest well my friend.

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I remember gene when he was a resident at Harrison house, he was and still is my favorite resident.  I would always go up to gene every morning before my shift and say good morning and do our little hand shake. on my breaks I would always hangout with gene and watch tv with him and talk about anything. On my days off I would always come in and sit with him and eat lunch with him and on Tuesdays and Friday's I would play bingo with him,  I would point out the numbers that he would miss and he would do the same to me.  For Christmas one year I made him a stippling of a dog because he liked my art stuff and wanted me to make him something. He always called me his adopted granddaughter. Gene was really great friends with my grand parents.  I miss you gene, fly high best friend ❤️ I'll see you again one day 

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Wow, this obituary absolutely nailed his character. I am an occupational therapist who got the pleasure of knowing Pete, working with Pete, and of course getting heckled by Pete while I worked at Harrison House. He was like the mayor, and i could always count on him for a "come here" gesture and quick witted comment to make me smile. He had a heart of gold, and will be so missed by so many. Can't wait to see the trouble he and Stan are getting into in Heaven, reunited as President and VP :) Sending love and prayers to the family. <3

 

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I remember family reunions and our conversations.
Great memories.

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To Petes family

George and I will always remeber when we went to Harrison House Pete was always the first one we would see and he always had a smile on his face.

He was always picking on someone but always in fun. He will be missed.

George and Karen Budzik

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ONE OF A KIND

Those of us who knew Pete are better for having him as a friend.  A true Parkesburg guy!  Rest in peace.

Gerry and Barb Treadway

 

 

 

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I knew Gene when he and my Dad were in Harrison House in Coatesville and then Christiana. I loved talking to him. Hr loved to trase me. He loved when I would make him pizzelles. RIP Gene you will surely be missed. Sincerely, Judi Berkheimer

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We all lost a good friend.  I have known Pete over 80 years. We went all through school together. One of the last graduates of Parkesburg High in 1951.  We played sports together. In all that time I don't remember him ever saying anything bad about anyone. He was a single copy. He was a rooster in the hen house at Harrison House.  All the ladies were competing for his attention including my Mother-In-Law. I will miss the ritual of taking him to our High School Reunions the last several years. He really enjoyed these get togethers. He will be missed by many. . RIP. I hope to see you again on the other side. Tuck Long

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I met Pete at the Parkesburg VFW  about 20 years ago. It was a great way to start the day with a cup of coffee and all of the Parkesburg news with Pete and some others that have passed. Ted Lacey and Harry hot dog come to mind. Pete was an eager volunteer for the VFW Parades and could be counted on to keep the tally as the gate keeper at various picnics snd parties. I will miss his humurous style and big smile. I always calle him "Dude" and he would return the greeting. RIP Dude, Mr Parkesburg

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Always remember him and some of the other scoutmaster assistants marching together, and always there to help with the boy scout troop. 

Condolences to son Rich. 

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I have many fond and wonderful memories of this genuine, honorable and great person.  He will be missed.  My condolences to his friends and family. 

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I remember Gene from a few years ago when I was the ADON at Harrison House. Gene was always a gentleman and I enjoyed our conversations together. RIP Gene, you will be missed.

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