NORWICH – Thomas Leroy Krucher, 58, a longtime and well known Norwich resident, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, while participating in the Veterans Day parade.
Tom was born in Cortland in July of 1953, the son of Thomas and Cecil Parker Krucher. He spent his younger years in Sherburne and later moved to Norwich where he graduated from the Norwich High School with the class of 1971. Following his education, Tom decided to enlist in the United States Army serving his country from February of 1973 until his honorable discharge in March of 1975. He received a letter of commendation as an honor graduate of the Pershing Noncommissioned Officer Field Artillery School at Ft. Sill Oklahoma.
Returning home to the Norwich area, Tom went to work for Cowles Sanitation for several years and in 1985 began his employment with Reese-Marshall, with whom he was employed at the time of his death.
Tom was very active in local veterans affairs. He was a member of American Legion Post #189 where he had previously served as Commander, was a member of the Board of Directors for the Post where he had also held several offices and was in charge of the dart league at the Post. Tom was also a avid bowler and had bowled on many of the city’s leagues and was a member of the Sidney Elks Lodge. He was a die hard Giants fan, a New York Yankees fan and enjoyed a good game of pitch, poker or dominoes. In his leisure time he enjoyed camping with his wife and friends at Tall Pines Campground.
On June 27, 2003 in Norwich he married Kathy Smith, who survives. Tom is also survived by his children Kelly Lyn Krucher of Denver, Colo., Breanne Krucher of Norwich, Melissa Eaton and husband Dennis also of Norwich, David McMinn of Newton, N.J. and Katrina McMinn of Norwich, his grandchildren Halea Paige, Breylyn Tommi, Tyler, Colby, Andrew and Makenzie along with nieces and nephews. Tom is also survived by his brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws Fredrick and Susan Smith and Jeffrey and Kim Steward.
Tom was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Cecil Krucher and his sister Kate Hackett.
A funeral service for Tom will be held on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. His brother-in-law Fred Smith will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the American Legion Post #189, 29 Sheldon St., Norwich, NY 13815.