Greenville - George Michael Kroncke, Sr., 84, died peacefully at home in Greenville on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

He was born in Bayonne, New Jersey to parents Charles Otto Kroncke and Marie Veronica White Kroncke on Feb. 10, 1942. He married Sharon Spellacy on Nov. 28, 1964. He was father to three children: Richard Anthony Kroncke, George Michael Kroncke, Jr. and Elizabeth Christine Kroncke Churchill.

George grew up in Bayonne, where he ran track for Marist High School. He began university at Seton Hall, later transferring to St. John's University when his family moved to Minnesota. Before completing his degree, George enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he was a missile technician in Oxnard, California.

Prior to his move to California, George married Sharon. When he completed his stint in the Navy, George and Sharon moved back to Minnesota where he resumed his college education at the University of Minnesota. His goal was to graduate before his oldest child entered kindergarten - he made it. He later earned an MBA in business, attending school online while employed full time.

The Kronckes moved to Greenville in 1978. George served as HR Director for Rubbermaid in Greenville for many years. During that time, he also provided backup help for Sharon as she served as Executive Director of DrugFree Greenville. He ended his career with the Texas Workforce Commission.

George, or Paco to his grandkids, was devoted to his family - his favorite people. He was actively engaged with all his grandchildren, never missing a robotics competition, drill team performance, dance recital, sporting events etc.

At Christmas when the grandchildren were kids, he and Sharon filled a huge green bag with gifts "from Santa" in secret. He helped the kids listen for the jolly old elf to arrive. When they heard the sleigh bells (!) the kids rushed outside to find the green bag Santa had left for them. George also had a tradition of giving gifts to family and friends on his birthday, rather than expecting gifts himself.

He loved to travel, organizing mystery trips for friends and family trips to Disneyland for the extended family to celebrate his and Sharon's anniversary. Many of his travels were real adventures - a boat down the Amazon River, rafting the Grand Canyon, exploring Native American history in New Mexico.

George was a generous, caring man, always ready to help as needed. He always gave cash to people on the street. He said, "It's a gift freely given. It doesn't matter what they do with it. My job is to give it."

In recent years he enjoyed having family and friends over to cook hot dogs and s'mores over bonfires at their land in the country.

George was preceded in death by his parents, his eldest son, Richard, his brother Joseph and sister Martha Sofio (and husband Frank).

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Sharon; children George, Jr. (Cheri) and Elizabeth Churchill; brothers Charles Kroncke, Francis Kroncke; sisters Marie Barnett, Christine Meenan, Rita Kroncke and Barbara Aston; grandchildren Katie Kroncke DeBerry (Davis), Veronica Moffett (Austin), Madison Kroncke Sampson (Jack), Connery Churchill (Joy), Murphy Churchill, two great grandchildren - soon to be three, and lifelong friends Judy and Clay Woods.

His family will forever remember his adventurous spirit, compassionate heart and the joy he brought to those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity and a deep love for his family.

A celebration of George's life will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at Wesley United Methodist Church. Visitation will be at the church at 3 p.m. A reception at the church will follow the service. Coker-Mathews Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to DrugFree Greenville in George's honor.