Obituary of Arthur Lee Croons

Arthur Lee Croons, 91 of Utica, NY was called home to be with the Lord on November 3, 2019.

Mr. Croons was born on April 28, 1928 in Dublin, Georgia to Peter and Cindy (White) Croons.  Post his education in the Georgia school district, he was drafted into the United States Air Force in 1952, deployed from Syracuse, NY.  He was honorably discharged as an Airman Second Class on the 28th day of February 1956. 

When he entered back into the civilian world, he hit the ground running, never letting any grass grow beneath his feet.  He became first black to open a United States Post Office in Utica, NY, thereby opening doors that some thought may have been closed, regardless of race, creed or color. 

Prior to his marriage, Arthur and Ms. Evelyn became the parents to two beautiful girls: Leona Pollard and Delores (Willie) Collins-House; he later met and married Mattie L. Croons in Utica, NY and from this union were sons: Charles (Monica) Croons, Jr. and Ronnie Thomas; who honor his memory along with his sister Lois Croons Brown and brother Herbert Lee Croons; special grandchildren Charles Mark Croons, Jr. and Jeffrey Lamar Croons as well as a host of nieces, nephews, grand and great children and many friends.

Arthur is predeceased by his wife Mattie L. Croons, parents Peter and Cindy Croons; brother Ulysses Brown and sister Rose Lee Croons-Ford

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all who have stopped by, called, and/or sent a message during their time of grief.  Special acknowledgments to the Veteran’s Administration Center who has cared so dutifully to Arthur and to the staff at Faxton-St. Luke’s MVCC.