Lawrence S. Cronkite
CRONKITE, Lawrence S., 93, PRESQUE ISLE, September 23, 2015. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, September 26, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Presque Isle. Arrangements are under the care of Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, Fort Fairfield.
PRESQUE ISLE – Lawrence S. Cronkite, 93, husband of the late Camilla R. Cronkite, passed away Wednesday morning, September 23, 2015, at a Presque Isle nursing facility, following a brief illness. He was born May 13, 1922 in Fort Fairfield, the son of Samuel and Effie (Johnson) Cronkite. He was a graduate of the Fort Fairfield High School, Class of 1939 and attended Ricker Junior College, Houlton and the University of Maine at Orono earning a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture. Mr. Cronkite served his country in the United States Army during WWII being stationed in England for 8 months prior to the invasion of Normandy, and also served in France, Belgium and Germany.
He was married to Camilla R. LeVasseur on June 16, 1947, and they enjoyed 62 years of marriage until her death on March 20, 2009. Lawrence was a communicant of the Parish of the Precious Blood, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Presque Isle and was employed by Maine Public Service Company, Presque Isle for 41 years.
In addition to his parents and wife, Lawrence was predeceased by five brothers, Cecil, Linwood, Loomis, Gerald “Joe” and Maurice Cronkite; four sisters, Beryl Parker, Madeline Gagnon, Mildred Clark and Lois Fowler. He is survived by five sons and daughters-in-law, Sam and Carol Cronkite of St. Augustine, FL, Paul Cronkite of Memphis, TN, John and Lucian Cronkite of P o n t e Verdra, FL, Thomas and Suzanne Cronkite of Hanover, NH, Patrick Cronkite of Palm Bay, FL; one brother and sister-in-law, Carvel and Delores Cronkite of Cranston, RI; one sister, Phyllis Leavitt of Presque Isle; six grandchildren, Joanna Houde of Exeter, NH, Sam Cronkite III of Knoxville, MD, Susan Cronkite of St. Augustine, FL, Matthew Cronkite of Brooklyn, NY, Megan Cronkite of Burlington, VT, Elizabeth Mannix of Palm Bay, FL; five great-grandchildren, Ben, Nathan, Nicholas, Emily and Jacob; several nieces and nephews.
In keeping with Mr. Cronkite’s wishes, calling hours were private. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Parish of the Precious Blood, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Main Street, Presque Isle with Fr. Kyle Doustou celebrant. Interment with military honors took place at St. Denis Catholic Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in memory of Mr. Cronkite to the Fort Fairfield Alumni Association, P.O. Box 201, Fort Fairfield, Maine 04742. Online condolences may be expressed at www. gibersondorseyfuneralhome.com.