Human Interest
Robert T. "Bob" Kromer 1913 - 2012
By The Morning Journal, Lorain, Ohio
Jan 23, 2012, 18:02

Robert T. "Bob" Kromer, 98, of Lorain, Ohio, USA passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2012 following a brief illness. Mr. Kromer was born in Sandusky, Ohio on April 12, 1913, and lived in Lorain since 1919. He graduated from Lorain High School with the class of 1931 B. 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 J.C 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, Ohio 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. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise (nee Morrison) Kromer in 1999 and his brother Paul Kromer.


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