William G. Gronke, Sr., passed away quietly at his home in Patterson, NY on September 17, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. He was 92 years old.
William was born on October 18, 1921 to the late Charles and Mary (Schaniel) Gronke in Patterson, NY and attended Pawling Schools.
On August 8, 1942 he married the love of his life Marie Durkin on the lawn of St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Brewster. Together they had three children. William enjoyed playing cards, fishing, hunting, bowling and playing golf. He was the oldest living member of the Patterson Fire Department and a founding member of the Patterson Sportsman Club.
William is survived by his children Lynda Renak (Emil), Susan Riggs and William Jr. (Debra), nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and his sister Louise Drnek. He was predeceased by his wife Marie and a son-in-law Herman Riggs.
A service will be held at the Dwyer Funeral Home at 10 am on Saturday, September 20, 2014. Interment will follow Maple Avenue Cemetery, Patterson, NY. Visitation will be held Friday from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Dwyer Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Patterson, NY. www.dwyerfuneralhome.com. Contributions may be made in William’s name to the Patterson Fire Department, PO Box 334, Patterson, NY 12563.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William C. Gronke Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.