Robert Cromie

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Retired operating engineer Robert J. Cromie, 77, of Rossville, died Sunday in Bayshore Hospital, Homdel, N.J.

Born in Prince's Bay, he graduated from Tottenville High School and moved to Rossville 25 years ago.

He served in the U.S. Army during the 1950s with the military police.

He was employed for over 40 years as an operating engineer at Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp in Mariners Harbor, retiring in 1999.

Mr. Cromie had a lifelong love of gardening, and enjoyed visiting the track and betting on horses.

"He was a very kind and giving person, and a free spirit," said his son, Timothy. "He liked to joke with people, and was fun to be with. He never showed his worries, and always had a positive attitude."

In addition to his son, Timothy, surviving are his wife, the former Joan Anne Barclay, and his daughter, Charlene Cromie.

Arrangements for a private funeral and cremation are being handled by the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville.

Services:

Visitation: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Wednesday, October 19,2011 2-4 & 7-9PM

Cemetery: Cremation Will Be Private

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home