Robert Alan Kronenberg

Robert Alan (Bob) Kronenberg, 77 of Wailuku passed away peacefully at his home on August 15th, 2024 under the care of Maui Hospice. Bob was born in Astoria, Queens, NY on April 15th, 1947 to Harold J. Kronenberg and Concetta E. Kronenberg (nee Parlato), He attended Eastern Military Academy, Huntington, NY, St. Mary's College, St. Mary, KY, St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, MD. He also graduated from the US Army Chaplain School, Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, NY. Bob initially pursued a career as a Catholic Priest and was ordained on May 19, 1973, at the Church of the Nativity, Timonium MD, by The Most Rev. Raymond J. Gallagher Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana. His first assignment was as Associate Pastor of St. Mary's Church in Frankfort, IN. His next assignment was Acting Director of the Department for the Spanish Speaking and Migrant Services in Marion, IN. His last assignment was as Co-Pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church in Kokomo, IN. He also served as a US Army reserve chaplain. After much prayer and soul-searching, he requested a leave of absence from his ministerial duties. In 1977 realizing he was meant for married life and a family he petitioned the Holy Father in Rome to be released from his vows. The dispensation was granted in March 1978. His first job in the secular world was as a salesman and eventually finance manager for Sharrett VW, Subaru in Hagerstown, MD, It was here he met the love of his life, Georgia Caroll Hurley (nee Sidler). Georgia was the “Radio Girl” who came into the dealership twice a week to pick up radios for repair. They were married at St. Augustine's Church in Williamsport, MD on December 6, 1978. They enjoyed an adventurous 47-year life together. September 1991 they realized their dream of moving to Maui. Within two weeks Bob was hired to his dream job that he held for the next 30 years. He worked at the Home Electronics Department at Sears. He always enjoyed being recognized as The TV Man at Sears. He mentored many young men and women who became doctors, lawyers, nurses, police officers, and owners of successful businesses. He was also known for a wicked sense of humor and a voluminous knowledge of all things concerning cinema, movie stars, and theater When Sears finally closed at the mall on November 14, 2021, he helped to close the store and as he joked “went down with the ship!” After retirement, he found another job he loved as a part-time bookseller at Barnes & Noble. Bob is survived by his wife of 47 years, Georgia. He is also survived by one daughter, Dorothy Hurley-Mojarrad (Nezam) of Hampstead, MD, and a son, James Anthony (Tony} Hurley (Rachel) of Newton, MA, and six grandchildren. In 2009 Bob was predeceased by his son, Timothy Robert Hurley. Bob is also survived by a Hanai-son, Derek Pace of Wailuku. At a later date, a private Catholic Rite of Committal will be celebrated at Maui Memorial Cemetery ( Maui View) with Msgr. Terry Watanabe of St. Anthony's Church presiding. Donations may be made to Maui Hospice.