Robert T. "Bob" Kromer, 98, Avid Boat Builder

Mr. Kromer was born in Sandusky on April 12, 1913, the son of the late
Frank and Olive F(nee Durham)Kromer. He has lived in Lorain since 1919. He
graduated from Lorain High School with the class of 1931 B.

He was a member and Deacon of the Christian Temple Disciples of Christ
Church.

Upon graduation he worked for J.C. Penny in downtown Lorain for 25 years,
during which he served his country in the United States Navy in WW II. He
obtained the rank of Petty Officer while assigned to the Blimp Squadron,
stationed in Brazil.

Upon returning stateside, he continued his employment with JC Penny until
1956, when he established the Kromer Seaway Marine on the Black River.

Through the 1960's and 70's he added the Lorain Yacht Basin, next to the Coast Guard Station, to his existing business.

He was well known for his boat building skills, including the Comet Class
and the Star Class sailboats. One of his Comet Class boats is in the Museum
at Put In Bay and a 100 year old speedboat, he restored, sits in Thousand
Island Boat Museum in Clayton, NY.

He sailed and raced Comet and Interlake Class sailboats in cities from Cleveland to Toledo along the southern
shore of Lake Erie winning many trophies.

Mr. Kromer was also a reputed sailboat wooden mast builder of which he
built hundreds.

He was also a member of the Senior Fellowship, Naval Airship Association,
a charter member of both the Lorain Yacht Club, and the Lorain Sailing Club.
Mr. Kromer enjoyed sailboat racing, ice boating and traveling, especially
enjoying his trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and Brazil.

He is survived by his daughter, Barbara L. (Charles) Vail, of Seattle, WA,
son Robert B. (Jean) Kromer of Bay Village, grandchildren Rebecca (Todd)
Stickler, Jennifer Vail, Robert J. "RJ" Kromer and one nephew, Harold Reid.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Louise
(nee Morrison) Kromer in 1999 and his brother Paul Kromer.

Friends may call on Monday, January 23, 2012 from 4-7 p.m. in the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain.

Additionally, friends may call on Tuesday morning, January 24, 2012 from
10:00 am until services at 11:00 am in the Christian Temple, Disciples of
Christ Church, 940 W. 5th Street, Lorain. The Rev. Dr. Bradley J. Donahue,
pastor, will officiate.

Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township with full
military honors provided jointly by the American Legion Post 30 and the VFW
Post 451 of Lorain.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the
Christian Temple, Disciples of Christ Church, PO Box 840, Lorain, Ohio 44052.

Online condolences at www.boyer-cool.com.